UK Counter-Terrorism (merged thread)

[davidbfpo]

I am adding four articles that provide the context for UK CT. All of them have a common theme, which I'd call "Don't panic, it's getting worse". Whether it is the lack of CT policing resources or the growing polarization within communities. The first two articles which refer to policing are undoubtedly intended to influence the forthcoming Budget speech, in brief "We need more money".

First the UK's most senior CT police officer, which is headlined:

UK police not a match for evolving terrorism threat, says top office; Neil Basu says forces not able to deal effectively with 700 live terrorism investigations

Link:https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...cer-neil-basu?

Second a far wider parliamentary report on policing, headlined:

Committee warns of “dire consequences” without extra police funding

Link:https://www.parliament.uk/business/c...blished-17-19/

Third an article on the findings of the new counter-extremism commissioner:

UK towns ‘polarised’ by rise of far right;Anti-extremism commissioner Sarah Khan ‘shocked by climate of intolerance’

Link:https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...-commissioner?

Fourth and a long read on the most public face of the extreme right, Tommy Robinson (although not his real name). It is interesting, though not an impartial explanation. Sub-titled:

he former EDL leader is one of a new breed of entrepreneurial activists who are bringing extremist myths into the mainstream – while also claiming they are being silenced

Link:https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...s-new-playbook