Gulf News

1,000 more spies to boost security

TECH COMPANIES WILL ALSO BE CALLED ON TO DO MORE TO TACKLE EXTREMIST CONTENT ONLINE

- BY STEVE BIRD

Suspected terrorists to be monitored more closely and convicted terrorists will get longer prison sentences |

Suspected British terrorists will be monitored more closely and convicted terrorists given longer prison sentences as part of a package of counter-terrorism measures to be unveiled today.

Technology companies will also be called on to do more to tackle extremist content posted online, while new powers will be introduced to fast-track terror suspects to jail before they have finalised any plans for an attack.

The new security measures to be unveiled are expected to focus on the importance of trying to spot those who may have become radicalise­d.

An extra 1,000 security services staff will also be recruited to collect and analyse data as well as keep suspects under better surveillan­ce.

Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, is also expected to announce a fresh approach to targeting the growing threat of Right-wing extremism, illustrati­ng how potential sources of terrorism have become increasing­ly diverse. His speech follows a review of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, known as Contest, and coincides with the anniversar­y of the London Bridge and Borough Market attack.

‘Abandoned’

It comes as the family of James McMullan, the only British person killed in the attack, told The Sunday Telegraph how they felt abandoned by the authoritie­s and have been barred from fitting a bronze plaque at the spot where he was murdered. At Southwark Cathedral, a service of commemorat­ion will be held to remember the victims of the terrorist attack.

The Home Office on Saturday warned that Britain faces a severe threat from Islamist terrorism for at least another two years. MI5 and counter-terrorism police are currently running more than 500 live operations involving roughly 3,000 “subjects of interest” at any one time.

 ?? AFP ?? Members of various faiths pose with placards and photograph­s of the people killed in the London Bridge terror attack, on London Bridge, yesterday, prior to a commemorat­ion service on the first anniversar­y of the attack.
AFP Members of various faiths pose with placards and photograph­s of the people killed in the London Bridge terror attack, on London Bridge, yesterday, prior to a commemorat­ion service on the first anniversar­y of the attack.
 ?? AFP ?? A woman puts flowers yesterday alongside photograph­s of the people killed in the London Bridge terror attack.
AFP A woman puts flowers yesterday alongside photograph­s of the people killed in the London Bridge terror attack.

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