New type of attacks calls for UK strategy revision

Subject

Counterterrorism policies.

Significance

The United Kingdom has been subjected to four deadly terrorist attacks in the first half of 2017. A car attack in Westminster in March left six people dead, an explosion at a concert in Manchester left 22 dead, while two more vehicular attacks in June left eight people dead in London Bridge and one person dead in Finsbury Park, London. This spike in successful attacks raises questions about the efficacy of the United Kingdom’s preventive measures against this type of extremism.

Impacts

• ‘Local’ extremism will remain a threat while the strategies designed to reduce it are flawed.
• Cooperation with social media organisations could limit opportunities for like-minded extremists to plot violent acts.
• A greater focus on improving timely surveillance techniques may reduce the need for mass arrests following an attack.