No more empty promises – we must be able to deport or detain

On Monday we saw something we have never before seen in the centuries-long history of terrorism and war in the UK, an attack specifically intended to kill, maim and permanently disfigure our children. No self-respecting nation can tolerate such a barbaric assault on its youth and its future.

The Government must move beyond wellrehearsed hand-wringing promises to increase police on the streets and invest more cash in the “Prevent” agenda. We have heard this after every attack since July 2005 and we know it doesn’t work. We also always hear that the attacker was known to the security services, yet somehow got through. How can this be, when we have the finest intelligence services in the world?

Because we have given them an impossible job. The head of MI5 says there are more than 3,000 people at large in the UK today known to be involved in terrorism. It is impossible to keep tabs on them all, which is why – despite hundreds of terrorist attacks disrupted – the Manchester bomb this week and the car ramming in Westminster two months ago succeeded.

The only answer is to reduce that 3,000. Of course, those that can be prosecuted and imprisoned should be. But too often, while intelligence confirms their involvement in extremism, forensic evidence sufficient for conviction is either lacking or cannot be used for security reasons. We have to take a harder line with those we cannot convict yet know present a serious threat.

Non-british citizens involved in any type of terrorist activity in the UK should be deported. British citizens should be detained or placed under some other form of effective control. Those who leave the country to commit mass murder, rape and torture with the Islamic State or any other jihadist group should be banned from re-entry.

I am not suggesting we become a police state. These measures would apply only to individuals on whom we have intelligence that proves their involvement in terrorism. The decision to deport, detain or exclude would be made by a panel of senior judges cleared to review secret intelligence.

Some argue that these measures are racist and would cause outrage and violence among Muslim communities in this country. But I do not suggest we single out any culture, race or religion. Only those who want to kill us and destroy our way of life. Why would Muslims oppose measures designed to prevent terrorism which kills Muslims as well as non-muslims?

The Islamic State is collapsing as a cohesive entity in Syria and Iraq, but it will not go away. Instead it will disperse. Hundreds of Britons are among them and many will return with orders to attack. They are the most dangerous terrorists we have ever faced. Not only have they been trained in techniques of unlimited terror but they have been blooded in battle. It is much easier for a terrorist to kill after he has taken part in violence and slaughter.

Our children had a taste of this forthcoming horror in Manchester this week. Many died a terrible death. Many more, disabled, disfigured, distraught, their young lives forever ruined, lie in hospital tonight.

The Government has a duty to do everything it can – no matter how unpalatable – to ensure this evil is eliminated from our cities.