Counter Terror Business - Government & Legislation

Government launches plan to fight extremism, hate and division

Polly Jones — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:50:26 +0000

The government has launched an action plan to build stronger communities and stamp out extremism, hate and division.

Described as a 'rallying call for action', the plan includes the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom.

The government said that the announcement comes after decades of rapid change including technological advancements, demographic change, the increasing cost of living and the decline of vital public services - all of this putting a strain on social cohesion.

The government also cited bad actors, including those from abroad, looking to stoke community tensions and promote toxic division and extremist ideology in our communities.

The publication, Protecting What Matters, sets out expectations around what it means to live together and integrate into society.

Figures show that hate crime is rising, particularly against Jewish people and Muslims.

Almost half of religious hate crimes are targeted towards the Muslim community. The government will adopt a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility which makes it clear what is unacceptable prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim. A special representative on anti-Muslim hostility will also be appointed to support action to strengthen understanding, reporting and response.

The government has also invested record funds to boost security and synagogues and Jewish schools and rolled out training on antisemitism in the workplace.

Furthermore, stronger powers have been introduced hut down charities promoting extremism, there will be new powers to stop hate preachers entering the UK and an annual State of Extremism report will be published.

The government has announced plans to strengthen the Charity Commission’s powers to close down charities that promote extremism. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has asked officials to work with the regulator to speed up the process for investigating charities suspected of engaging in extremist behaviour, including strengthening its powers to close them down if needed.

A new consultation will launch, which will look at plans to automatically ban individuals with a criminal conviction for hate crime from serving as charity trustees or senior managers. It will also consult on plans to strengthen the Commission’s powers to disqualify individuals where there is evidence they have promoted violence or hatred.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "Charities are the lifeblood of our communities, and we will not allow extremists to hijack their good name.

"By giving the Charity Commission the teeth it needs to act fast and decisively, we will close the door on those who exploit charitable status to spread hate, and open a new chapter that gives the sector the protection it deserves.

"This is a vital step in our ongoing work of national renewal and a Britain built for all."

The government will set out new expectations around integration for people looking to settle in the UK, these will be focused on shared language, local participation and respect for shared values. In order to support this goal, the Government will look at how English is taught, and if new technology can help more people can speak the language confidently.

£500,000 has been announced for community-led school linking projects which will bring children from different backgrounds together. There will also be tougher oversight of home education – including the first-ever mandatory register of children not in school.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said: "Today, through the publication of Protecting What Matters, we set out the first steps towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom. This plan is what patriotism means to this government. We choose to celebrate our national successes and historic achievements, we choose to come together in the best of times and the worst of times, and we choose to take on those who try to divide us."

Mike Cunningham to start as SIA chair

Polly Jones — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:14:19 +0000

Mike Cunningham CBE QPM will start his role as chair of the SIA on 1 March 2026.

His term will run for three years.

In his new roll, Cunningham will be responsible for leading the Board in carrying out its responsibilities to deliver ministerial expectations and the strategic objectives of the SIA.

Cunningham has worked in policing and community safety for over 30 years.

He served as Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police from 2009 to 2014 and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Staffordshire in 2014 in recognition of his significant contribution to policing and law and order.

Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the SIA said: "On behalf of the SIA Board and colleagues at the SIA, we welcome Mike Cunningham as our new Chair. Mike brings with him a wealth of leadership experience in both non-executive and executive roles in public service and community safety. We all look forward to working with Mike to drive forward our strategic plans and ambitions."

Mike Cunningham said: "It is a privilege to take on the role of Chair of the SIA. A significant amount has been achieved over the 5 years of Heather Baily’s tenure.

"This is an important time for the SIA, as it prepares to take on responsibilities as the new regulator for Martyn’s Law. I look forward to working with the SIA’s executive leadership and all the dedicated staff at the SIA and partners to build on the excellent work so far and ensure the SIA continues making significant contribution to keeping places and people safe and secure across the UK."

Scotland to strengthen hate crime legislation for women and girls

Polly Jones — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:32:19 +0000

New legislation has been laid in the Scottish Parliament to strengthen protections for women and girls against hate crimes.

If agreed by MSPs, the regulations will designate ‘sex’ as a protected characteristic under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

This will make it a specific criminal offence to stir up hatred against women and girls, as well as men and boys, because of their sex.

Courts will also be able to treat crimes motivated by hatred of someone's sex as aggravated offences, including when passing sentence.

The change will mean that sex will have the same legal safeguards as groups targeted by hate crime because of their age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “These regulations will significantly strengthen legal protections for women and girls from offences motivated by prejudice and hatred because of their sex and they will ensure that Scotland’s justice system can respond appropriately.

“The changes will mean women and girls have the same protections as victims who are targeted because of a specific characteristic, such as age, religion or disability. Men and boys will also be protected, however, we know that women and girls suffer significantly more from threats, abuse and harassment based on their sex, so they are likely to benefit most from those new protections.

“The vast majority of responses received during the consultation on these proposals supported adding the characteristic of sex to both the stirring up of hatred offence and the aggravation.

“The regulations will come into force on 5 April 2027, giving Police Scotland the necessary time to update training and guidance and ensuring they are operationally ready for the change.”

Caroline Corby reappointed non-executive director of SIA

Polly Jones — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:51:10 +0000

Caroline Corby has been reappointed as a non-executive director of the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

She was originally appointed in September 2022 by the minister for safeguarding. Following reappointment, she will now remain a member until September 2028.

As a non-executive director, Corby will serve on the SIA board, which consists of non-executive directors, including the SIA’s chair and executive directors, including the SIA’s chief executive.

As deputy chair of the SIA, Corby's responsibilities include supporting the chair in leading the Board and acting as a sounding-board and source of advice to the chair; deputising for the chair when required at Board meetings; and where requested by the chair, acting as a senior representative of the SIA and/or deputy, internally and/or externally.

Corby also serves as chair of the Peabody Trust, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.

Sanctions imposed under Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime

Polly Jones — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:36:38 +0000

The UK has today announced an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal (REHAL) who is suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India.

An asset freeze has also been announced against group Babbar Akali Lehar, for promoting and supporting the same terrorist group.

HM Treasury believes REHAL is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, providing financial services to as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military materiel.

HM Treasury has also assessed that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa’s terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself.

All funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held or controlled by REHAL or Babbar Akali Lehar are now under an asset freeze. This means that no UK persons and entities can deal with any funds or economic resources owned, held or controlled by either REHAL or Babbar Akali Lehar; or make funds, economic resources and financial services available to or for their benefit.

REHAL is also subject to director disqualification sanctions which prohibit him from acting as a director of a company or directly or indirectly taking part in or being concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby KC MP said: "We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system. This landmark action shows we are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to choke off funding for terrorism – wherever it occurs and whoever is responsible. The UK stands firmly with peaceful communities against those who promote violence and hatred."

Review launched on public order and hate crime legislation

Polly Jones — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:50:23 +0000

Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC has been appointed to lead an independent review of laws on public order and hate crime.

The review was announced following the terrorist attack in Manchester on 2 October.

The announcement followed concerns around community tensions and the impact of disruptive and intimidating protests and hate crime on the cohesion and safety of society.

The review will look at the powers police have to manage protests and the current hate crime laws, including offences for aggravated behaviour and “stirring up” hatred.

It will examine whether existing legislation is effective and proportionate, and whether it protects communities from hate and intimidation.

It will also consider if the law protects free speech and peaceful protest, while also preventing disorder and keeping people safe.

�鶹�� Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "The terrorist attack in Manchester on 2 October shocked the nation and showed how hatred and division can fuel violence. It happened at a time of growing concern about protests and hate crime in this country.

"Our laws must protect the public, while upholding the right to protest and free speech. That is why we have asked Lord Macdonald to lead this review. His experience will ensure it is thorough and independent.

"Lawful protest and free speech are fundamental rights, but we cannot allow them to be abused to spread hate or cause disorder. The law must be fit for purpose and consistently applied."

Police and crime commissioners to be scrapped

Polly Jones — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:15:06 +0000

The government has announced that police and commissioners (PCCs) will be scrapped to save money to fund frontline officers.

It is anticipated that this could save the taxpayer at least £100 million.

The government has said it is doing this to cut the cost of unnecessary bureaucracy, with the money spend on restoring neighbourhood policing.

At least £20 million will be reinvested each year as a result of new efficiencies in police government. This could cover the cost of 320 constables.

PCCs have been around since 2012, but turnout for their election and public knowledge around who they are is low. Two in five people are unaware they exist.

Their duties will now be absorbed by regional mayors where possible, so measures to cut crime will be considered as part of wider public services such as education and healthcare.

In areas without mayors, the role will be taken on by elected council leaders.

The transition to the new model will happen at the end of the next electoral cycle in 2028.

�鶹�� Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The introduction of police and crime commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment.

“I will introduce new reforms so police are accountable to their local mayoralties or local councils. The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country, fighting crime and protecting our communities.

“I would like to recognise the efforts of all current and former police and crime commissioners, and thank them. These individuals served their communities and will continue to do so until they have completed their current terms.”

New IRA sanctioned

Polly Jones — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:30:08 +0000

The government has announced sanctions on the New IRA and a suspected terror facilitator.

The government says it has reasonable grounds to suspect Kieran Gallagher is involved in terrorist activity.

These measures prohibit all persons required to comply with UK sanctions from dealing with any funds or economic resources owned, held or controlled by Gallagher or by the New IRA; or making funds, economic resources or financial services available to them or for their benefit (this includes any entities they own or control), without a licence from HM Treasury or an applicable exception.

An asset freeze has been announced against the New IRA for being responsible for, engaging in and providing support for, the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism; facilitating, promoting and encouraging terrorism; and carrying out recruitment activities for a person involved in terrorism.

Gallagher has also been placed under director disqualification sanctions which prohibit him from acting as a director of a company or directly or indirectly taking part in or being concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company.

Gallagher is suspected of being involved in terrorist activity by providing financial services, or making available funds or economic resources, for the purposes of terrorism; and being involved in terrorist activity by facilitating terrorism.

New law to protect politicians from harassment

Polly Jones — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:06:49 +0000

A new law has been proposed to better protect public office holders from harassment and intimidation.

The changes set out in the Crime and Policing Bill, propose restricting protests outside the homes of MPs, peers and local councillors.

The police will be given strengthened powers to stop this form of intimidation and abuse.

There will be a new criminal offence of protesting outside the home of someone in public office where their intention is to influence them in their role or an aspect of their private life, with perpetrators facing up to 6 months’ imprisonment.

The Electoral Commission reported that over half of the candidates who stood in last year’s general election experienced some form of abuse or intimidation.

Another survey found that 96 per cent of MPs had experienced at least one instance of harassment or intimidation which had a corrosive effect on their ability to do their jobs.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: "The level of abuse faced by those taking part in British politics is truly shocking – it’s a threat to our democracy. People should be able to participate in our politics without fearing for their own or their family’s safety.

"When good people choose not to put themselves forward, communities lose out and the country is poorer for it.

"As Chair of the Defending Democracy Taskforce, I am leading work across government to drive out harassment and intimidation and strengthen our protections. This measure is a serious but necessary and proportionate step. Targeting public office holders at their homes crosses a line – it’s intimidation, not protest, and we’re putting a stop to it."

Will Fletcher, Interim CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation said: "We welcome measures to improve the safety and security of those in public office. Protesting outside someone’s home clearly poses serious safety concerns and can cause distress for the individual and their family.

"Protest and robust debate are important to our democracy, and there are many ways that people can make their voices heard without crossing the line into intimidation at someone’s home.

"Through the Jo Cox Civility Commission, we work with a range of partners to address abuse towards politicians, their staff and families, and promote more respectful politics in order to strengthen our democracy."

New Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner appointed

Polly Jones — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:20:25 +0000

Professor William Webster has been appointed as the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner.

The role has been vacant since August 2024, and Francesca Whitelaw KC has been serving as Interim Biometrics Commissioner since 1 July 2025.

Professor Webster will begin the role on 1 November and be in position for two years.

In the role, Professor Webster will oversee the retention, use, and destruction of DNA samples, DNA profiles, and fingerprints by police forces in England and Wales and promote compliance with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

The appointment comes after an open competition and in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Professor Webster is currently Professor of Public Policy and Management at the University of Stirling, and director of the Centre for Research into Information Surveillance and Privacy (CRISP).

Professor Webster said: "I am delighted to have been appointed as the next Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner. Developments in new technology, around for example biometrics and artificial technology, mean that this office will play an increasingly important role in safeguarding the rights of citizens whilst contributing to keeping the UK safe and secure.

"My focus will be to oversee police applications to retain biometric material and the evolution of, and adherence to, the �鶹�� Secretary’s Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

"I bring to the office over 25 years of academic experience researching the governance of surveillance, with specific expertise in the regulation and provision of surveillance cameras, surveillance ethics, oversight mechanisms and digital government.

"I look forward to working with stakeholders and the office in shaping the regulatory landscape around biometrics and surveillance cameras, and in fulfilling the significant statutory roles associated with this position."

Policing and crime minister, Sarah Jones said: "I welcome Professor Webster’s appointment to this vital role. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field. I look forward to working with him to ensure our use of biometrics and surveillance continues to uphold public trust, safeguard privacy, and support effective policing."