Terror ‘still biggest threat to our nation’

THE BATTLE against Islamic State is not over and they remain the most significant terrorist threat to Britain, the Defence Secretary has warned.

Gavin Williamson said the fight to counter IS – also known as Daesh – was entering a “new phase” as the terrorists disperse and prepare for a potential insurgency. He told the Commons the militant group’s ability to “inspire, direct and enable attacks” on British interests meant it remained the “most significant” threat to the UK.

The Scarborough-born Minister said: “Thanks to the courage of our forces and our partners on the ground, Daesh’s final territorial defeat is now at hand. But the battle against the poison of Daesh is not quite over; instead we are entering a new phase as the terrorists change their approach – disperse and prepare for a potential insurgency.

“In Iraq, Daesh cells exist in Mosul, Hawija, Diyala, Anbar and Baghdad from where they will attempt to grow once more – sowing the seeds of instability and undermining the faith in the Government to deliver security.”

He added: “More widely, Daesh remains the most significant terrorist threat to the UK due to their ability to inspire, direct and enable attacks on our interests. That is why we continue working through the global coalition to eliminate the danger that Daesh poses and that is why the British people can rest assured that this Government will continue to do everything in our power to protect them.”