Extremist groups bringing hate to streets of Renfrewshire

to radicalisation.

“Extreme right wing groups pose a threat and are operating locally – signage has been found in Renfrewshire and a ‘ whites only’ foodbank was found to be operating in Glasgow.

“Recent events have witnessed groups such as the Scottish Defence League jumping on legitimate community problems to further their cause.”

The threat level for the UK from international terrorism is set by MI5’s Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre.

It includes low, meaning an assault is unlikely; moderate, which indicates an attack is possible, but not likely; substantial, signalling strong possibility of violence; severe, which means an attack is highly likely; and critical.

The highest threat level is used when a threat is expected imminently.

It has only been put in place three times – first, for four days after May’s targeting of Manchester Arena; and in 2006, for three days, when a plot to blow up 10 aircraft with liquid explosives was foiled.

It was also raised in 2007, for four days, when two bombers drove into Glasgow Airport and detonate gas canisters.

Intelligence experts insist there is “no profile” for a “typical” UKbased terrorist and says there is “no single pathway” to radicalisation.

Initial contact with cells can come through friends, family or community leaders.

Advances are often made in public, including at gyms, cafes, libraries, churches and community centres, but also take place at home and online.

Terror groups target vulnerable people, who may be susceptible to exploitation.

Young adults, who are exploring issues of identity, can fall prey to radicalisation.

Vulnerable people may turn to terror due to a need to express or act on feelings of anger, a desire for friendship, a common cause or adventure, craving to belong and a fascination for violence, weapons or uniform.

The report added: “The nature of terrorism and the threat that terrorist activities pose to communities has changed significantly over the past 10 years.

“A key focus of the work of public protection is to understand the changing nature of the threat and to work closely with key partners and communities to address these threats.

“Local authorities work with vulnerable people, visit homes and businesses on a regular basis and are therefore ideally placed to identify people at risk of radicalisation or see signs of radicalised behaviour.

“There is a need to ensure that material related to terrorism is stopped from being distributed in facilities, particularly those used by vulnerable people.

“Currently local dedicated training has been delivered to over one hundred officers from across the council.

“The aim of these briefings has been to highlight the responsibilities of the council and employees to safeguard vulnerable people within our area and to provide information on warning signs that they might be at- risk of radicalisation or linked with groups or organisations that are a concern.”

The council has joined forces with government and police to form the counter-terrorist Contest group.

It works to investigate where recruiters might look for members and stamp-out extremism.

The local authority has also been instrumental in setting up the pioneering Grey Space project.

It brings together those from diverse backgrounds to raise issues from their communities, including LGBT, religious, ethnic and homeless leaders.

The report continued: “Grey Space acts as a forum for the associated community groups to raise their concerns to the police, council and other public agencies and gain an understanding of the actions taken locally.

“The group meets locally with the intention of fostering strong ties, understanding and trust within our community.

“This positive, existing relationship deepens understanding and tolerance across communities and is likely to be of significance were any large scale incidents to occur that impact on Renfrewshire communities.” The Accord Hospice lottery £700 jackpot went to the holder of lucky ticket number 35969.

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