Government reviews CONTEST strategy to address emerging threats

In the UK and overseas, there has been a shift towards self-initiated terrorists operating independently from organised groups with increasingly personal ideologies and warped views used to justify violence. The tactics and methodologies used by terrorists are diversifying and becoming increasingly fragmented.

To meet those threats, the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) will be updated to reflect these new challenges. This will involve seeking a diverse range of views and engaging security experts from across the UK and overseas such that CONTEST continues to robustly protect the British public from terrorist threats.

Commitment to core values

­Security Minister Tom Tugendhat noted: “Terrorists seek to divide us and sow hatred. We will not let them. Our commitment to the core values we cherish is too strong. As the nature of terrorism continues to evolve and endure, so must we. We will ensure our response to the terrorism threat continues to be world-leading and also that we have a strategy in place that allows people to go about their lives freely and with confidence.”

The Government’s timely update will take into account a series of important reviews, including the second volume of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, which is set to be published in the week beginning Monday 7 November.

In addition, the findings from the Independent Review of Prevent, led by William Shawcross, will strengthen the Government’s ability to stop individuals from being drawn into terrorism in the first place.

The Government will do everything possible to strengthen the UK’s protection against terrorist attacks. This includes a renewed commitment to introduce the Protect Duty, which will enhance the safety of public venues, while also avoiding the placement of additional burden on small businesses.

The UK’s counter-terrorism system already encompasses the efforts of more than 20 separate Government departments and agencies.

Since 2017 alone, more than 200 recommendations have been implemented in response to terrorist attacks, including the creation of the world’s first multi-organisational Counter-Terrorism Operations Centre in London last year.

Enduring and effective framework

Matt Jukes, head of Counter Terrorism Policing­­­, observed: “Since its launch back in 2003, CONTEST has proved to be an enduring and effective strategic framework for the UK’s counter-terrorism response, but it shouldn’t stand still. Today’s threat is dominated by increasingly fragmented ideologies, self-initiated terrorism and the reach of hateful online ideologies into the lives of the young people. It’s therefore vital that any future strategy reflects these learnings and also looks ahead to the collaborations we will need in the future in order to keep people safe.”

Jukes concluded: “Rather uniquely, Counter Terrorism Policing has made an evolving contribution to all four pillars of the CONTEST strategy and will continue to be at the heart of our preparedness for those terrible moments when attacks happen.”

The Government expects to publish an updated and enhanced version of CONTEST next year. In the meantime, it will continue to deliver a counter-terrorism strategy designed to keep the public safe.