The latest data released by the Home Office shows that 2023 saw the highest number of terrorism arrests of young people since records began (11 September 2001).
Of the 219 arrests for terrorism-related offences last year, 19 per cent (42) of these were young people aged 17 and under.
As a result of this Counter Terrorism Policing are once again appealing to the public to take action and report any concerns they have about family and friends who are being radicalised by harmful content.
Acting Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Richard Smith, said:
“We take no pleasure from the increasing numbers of young people we’re seeing in our investigations and casework. Whilst our role is to stop anyone – no matter their age – committing terrorism offences or planning to cause harm to the public, it is truly shocking that almost one in every five of our arrests involves a young person.
“For several years now, we have warned about the risk of children and young people who are becoming involved in terrorism-related activity and the statistics released yesterday reaffirm our concerns. Young people susceptible to radicalisation need protection and support to prevent them being drawn into terrorism. I implore parents and guardians to pay close attention to the young people in their lives and look out for the signs that they may be viewing, sharing or even creating terrorist content.”
In 2023 there were 52 more arrests for terrorism offences than in the previous year which is an increase of 31 percent and the highest number of arrests in a single year since 2019.
From Jacob Graham who wanted to kill 50 people in a bombing campaign, to Mohamed Al Bared who was building a drone for Daesh, 2023 saw a wide variety of terrorism related arrests.
Richard Smith continued:
“Last year we arrested more people for terrorism offences than we have done in any of the four years previously. We are working at pace, day and night, to keep the public safe. The role of the public in our mission to the keep people safe cannot be underestimated. Please trust your instincts and report anything that doesn’t feel right. Reporting won’t ruin lives, but it could save them.”
The pro-Hamas demonstrations continue, whipping up hatred in this country. The Palestinians have taught their own children hatred for decades and now they are exporting their bile and vitriol around the world.
I don’t think the increase in terrorist offences is unrelated.
Hi folks hope all is well.
Interesting, and as Jon say’s this does appear to be related. Even if some young people think it’s fashionable to be linked to these groups, some will become the fodder for future planned events. Hopefully many will realise the errors they have made and depart. This issue coupled with the soft laws and approach by sandal shuffling lefty human rights lawyers defending them makes for the perfect storm.
Cheers
George
The problem we have in the Uk, is nobody in authority has the balls to call a spade a spade and instead fanny around and peddle the line that the lesser threat (The far right) is the larger threat, (Note I’m not saying they are not a threat, just that in the great scheme of things they are the lesser one by a large margin) which explains why the other week the British Government proudly declared that they had set aside £117 million to beef up security at Islamic Mosques. A lot of this rise is due to limp wristed… Read more »
I do have a begruging respect for the French – I do however have to stop short of ‘like’…
As always, BOOM.
I have nothing to add.
Well, other than agreeing with grizzler that I can’t bring myself to ever say I ‘like’ the French.
Welcome refugees.
Just the start, just the start…
UK has suffered the Danelaw. After some times, UK diggested the Dan. Same for Normands. Same for Islamists. Time is playing against radicals. They know it and fear it. Some of them are already old. For what results? Where are people happy about their doing. It is gonna be allright, you have the right hand. Stay vigilant, you are quietly winning.
It took 300 years and the Black Death to get rid of Norman feudalism. I’m not sure we should be thinking in such extended timescales.
Possibly Math, but i am not optimist. Lebanon is what i think central parts of Europe risks to be. Politically large parts of Europe moving to the right – called extreme right – by the progressive media.
A migration movement of central European people to the West and East continental Europe is also what i expect. Many French have been buying property in Portugal.
I don’t have all the clue. Their is right wing pressure in all EU countries. The right wing will want to stabilize immigration policies that are currently unbalanced. This will help assimilation in the long run. Second view: the sentiment to belong to a community of destiny is the big glue. If we have a common threat, namely Russia, knocking at the gate, we can only foresee how stronger each nation will become and how stronger the EU sentiment will grow. This is happening right now, despite desperate attempts of ISIS to exists. Isis is no longer viewed as the… Read more »
Well you had “lockdowns”….and the definition of “terrorism” and what constitutes a “crime” needs taking apart. Now even holding a banner, shouting something, or posting “hate speech” online can result in arrest. Often no charges are brought, police fanny around recording hate incidents and it is a waste of time. Partly because vote sensitive politicians have no balls. Too many sensitive pussies, too many radicalised minorities and gross over reaction, and in many cases? Lazy policing. These people shouting should have experienced real terrorism in NI and elsewhere. They do not have a freekin clue.
It’s because our education system is sorely lacking in funding and competency.
The funding issue is obvious. In regards to competency, the issue is all the resources put into ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusivity’ rather than just simple moral values and critical thinking.
It’s easy to blame the Internet and social media, but with a solid moral base and good critical thinking skills, nothing there should be an issue. It is though, because we’ve raised a bunch of idiots.
And all by design. Critical thinkers and people with morals cannot be easily controlled.