Terrorism Threats in the 21st Century

This timely and exciting session will explore the current terrorist threats facing the United Kingdom and how the counterterrorism laws and policy have augmented over time. Particularly since the 7 July 2005 attack in London and the foiled attempted attack on 21 July 2005, the UK government has increased, over time of course and usually in response to further successful attacks and potential threats identified, the governance of security. Since the introduction of the Terrorism Act 2000, which legally redefined broadly what terrorism is, we have seen the introduction of ten acts of parliament, all aimed at dealing in some way with the threat. The latest of these is the Counter-terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021, which increases sentencing for those convicted of terrorism related offences. We will discuss these acts in more detail, alongside new single-issue threats that have been emerging in the UK for some time now. Undoubtedly, new laws and contest policy changes will be implemented across future years, and whilst these would be welcomed in protecting UK citizens, they will also have an adverse effect on individual human rights. The debates around collective security and individual rights will return within the next couple of years and we will look into these areas in more detail. If you are interested in criminal law and human rights, then this is an event for you.