Counter-terrorism
What we're doing
We're working non-stop to keep you safe. Our work is based around a central counter-terrorism strategy for dealing with the threat we face.
Since 2003 we've had a comprehensive strategy for fighting terrorism, and protecting the UK, called CONTEST.
We recently revised this strategy to adapt to the changing terrorism threat, and to incorporate what we know about the terrorist groups who are working against us.
These revisions are based on the lessons we've learned since 2003, the money we've invested in dealing with terrorism, and the work we've done.
This cross-government strategy involves the work of thousands of people - police and intelligence officers, emergency services, local government, business owners, community organisations - all working together to keep the country safe.
Contest is one part of the overarching national security strategy (new window), published in 2008.
What's new?
On 14 August, we launched our new science and technology strategy for countering international terrorism.
The strategy looks at how we can work with scientists, industry experts and academics to find groundbreaking new ways to combat the threat of terrorism.
You can read more about the strategy on our Security website (new window) or watch a video on our Youtube channel about stopping speedboat terrorists (new window). You can read a transcript of the video here.
Our principles
The strategy is based on principles and lessons we've drawn from our experience dealing with terrorism over the years.
These principles include:
- keeping human rights central to our counter-terrorism work
- basing our work on the rule of law
- prosecuting those responsible for terrorist attacks
- addressing the causes behind terrorism
- working to reduce the support for terrorism, and preventing people from becoming terrorists
Read more about the strategy
You can:
- download a brochure giving a summary of the counter-terrorism strategy and examples of our work
- download and read the full counter-terrorism strategy document (new window)
- watch a video about CONTEST (new window) or read the written transcript of that video
You can order paper copies of the strategy or the leaflet. Buy a printed copy of the strategy document on The Stationery Office website (new window), or by calling 0870 600 5522 and quoting the document code CM7547.
To request a printed copy of the brochure, please email homeoffice@prolog.uk.com, or call 0870 241 2680 and quote CTTSTRATEGY.
Specialised work
Our work includes a specialised team dealing with the threat of attack involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials and other explosives (new window). Its work cuts across all the strands of counter-terrorism.
We also have a team focused solely on ensuring the safety of the 2012 Olympics in London.
Find out more
Our work is divided into four key strands, known as the four P's:
