Terrorism-related arrests in the UK rose slightly in 2025, with 255 arrests recorded across the year and a record number of individuals held in custody for such offences, Counter Terrorism Policing said.
The figures, published by the Home Office, show a 2% increase compared with 250 arrests in 2024. Separate data also recorded 2,779 arrests linked to proscription offences relating to Palestine Action, though these are treated independently due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Excluding those cases, the data indicates continued involvement of younger individuals, with 39 people aged 17 and under arrested in 2025, compared with 40 the previous year. Men and boys accounted for 92% of arrests, while the proportion of women and girls fell from 19% in 2024 to 8% in 2025.
By the end of 2025, 267 people were in custody in Great Britain for terrorism and related offences, the highest number since comparable records began and slightly above the previous peak of 266. Counter Terrorism Policing said this reflects sustained operational activity and casework.
Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Prevent and Pursue, said: “The latest statistics are a stark reminder of the enduring threat of terrorism, and how important it is that we continue to detect and disrupt plots against our communities.”
She added: “A clear marker of this successful activity is the record number of people in custody for terrorism related offences at the end of 2025. Our teams work with security services to do incredible things every day to stop the horror of terrorism spilling on our streets, and today’s figures are a snapshot of those efforts.”
The data also highlights a rise in state threat investigations, which now account for more than 20% of casework, and a 50% increase in demand on war crimes investigations since 2020. Authorities said public reporting remains a key factor, with around 25,000 reports submitted via the Anti-Terror hotline and online portal during 2025.
