Head of Counter Terrorism Policing responds to CONTEST strategy refresh

“In 2022, no-one died at the hands of a terrorist in the UK,” stated Jukes. “As I look through the plots disrupted in that same year, the reality is that many people could have. It’s the job of Counter Terrorism Policing and MI5, working in unison with a range of partners and the public, to stop dangerous people.”

Of course, agencies like MI5, MI6 and Counter Terrorism Policing cannot reveal all of the detail around the work transacted on a daily basis in a bid to keep the nation and its population safe, but Jukes has revealed that, last year, Counter Terrorism Policing’s work involved stopping individuals who were just hours away from stepping on to the streets of this country, armed and fully committed towards what he referenced as “their awful missions”.

Jukes affirmed: “Some of this work really is like the movies, but much of it isn’t. The myths of turf wars between agencies, for example, could not be further from the truth. In the UK, we benefit from the strongest bonds across our counter-terrorism system that I’ve seen anywhere in the world. From my organisation and MI5 right through to the education system and the private sector, every day I’m witnessing valuable partnerships developing between those charged with keeping our communities safe. However, that doesn’t mean we can stand still.”

Ever-changing threat

As reported in great depth by Security Matters, the Government’s revised version of CONTEST evidences that statement. According to Jukes: “The latest version rightly highlights the ever-changing threat and the growing complexity of the individuals who come to our attention.”

On that note, Jukes observed: “There might not be a typical terrorist, but there are new trends emerging. The record number of children being arrested is particularly disturbing. Across society, from our homes through to the head offices of social media platforms, we need to ask how we reduce the availability and appeal of hateful and horrifically violent material to young people.”

Although technology is part of the authorities’ armoury, it also serves to present new threats. “That,” continued Jukes, “takes us on to questions about privacy online and the particularly difficult reality that the encryption many want for their own security is being exploited by terrorists.”

Jukes explained: “Despite the necessary secrecy of our work, it’s my responsibility, along with that of leaders in other agencies, to demonstrate we will be responsible in our use of technology and also ensure that we remain one step ahead of the terrorists both online and on the ground.”

Fragile world

Emboldening this point, Jukes outlined: “Much of that work begins at home. Convicted terrorists now re-entering our communities have to be monitored, but we also face a fragile world complete with new versions of historic terrorist groups overseas as well as instability in countries that has given rise to violence against the UK in the past.”

Further, Jukes stated: “This does not just emerge as terrorism, but also in the murderous plots of authoritarian regimes against their opponents who have made Britain their home.”

Of course, policing faces several challenges, with many of them often visible to the public. “Reflected in the CONTEST update is a great deal of police work that most people will not see, most of the time,” said Jukes. “Underpinning that work is the importance of our relationship with the public.”

In conclusion, Jukes asserted: “Every year, information from the public makes a substantial contribution to our investigations. If members of the public witness something that doesn’t feel right, they should always trust their instincts. It’s very much the case that communities defeat terrorism.”