UK to stay on high alert against terror attacks ‘for at least two more years’
2 min read
The UK will remain on high alert over the threat of terror attacks for at least another two years, ministers have said.
In a stark warning, the Home Office revealed that British security forces were poised for attacks from Islamic extremists and far-right groups.
A spokesman for the department said: “In summary, we expect the threat from Islamist terrorism to remain at its current, heightened level for at least the next two years, and that it may increase further.
“We assess the threat from extreme right-wing terrorism is growing.
“Globally, terrorist groups and networks of all ideologies continue to develop organically, exploiting social media, technology and science to further their aims and ambitions.”
This comes as new Home Secretary Sajid Javid prepares to unveil a strengthened counter-terrorism strategy next week.
It is understood that it will include plans to share information held by MI5 more widely across Government and local agencies.
Mr Javid – who will today attend a memorial service to mark the anniversary of the London Bridge terror attack today - said: “The Government is absolutely committed to doing everything possible to tackle the terrorist threat. It is my first priority every day in this job.
“We are working with the police, intelligence and security agencies, the private and public sector and international partners to make sure we have the best plans in place.
“I will be speaking about those plans in detail tomorrow when we publish our strengthened counter-terrorism strategy.
“But ultimately the strongest response is not just what we do, but who we are. The best way to stop terrorists achieving their aims is to stand by our values of tolerance, fairness and go out about our lives.”
Over the last year 12 plots against UK citizens have been foiled – plus an additional four by right-wing extremists.
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