Terrorism is not a new phenomenon. But in the 21st century, terrorism has a distinctly global feel to it. The modern terrorist threat has become fluid and relatively unpredictable. And it is not a threat faced by the UK alone, although terrorist groups often target UK and other western interests.

The UK Government's aim is to reduce the risk from international terrorism, so that people can go about their daily lives freely and with confidence.  Since early 2003, the UK Government implemented a long-term strategy for countering international terrorism, known as CONTEST. It aims to reduce the risk to the UK from international terrorism, so that people can go about their daily lives freely and with confidence. The UK is committed to working with partners overseas to promote a sustained global commitment to combating terrorism. We do this using a variety of methods from the plains of Afghanistan to the streets of London.

The UK Government has short and long-term objectives, at home and abroad to achieve this. They set and implement the strategy for overseas counter terrorism working with partners in the UK Government and civil society.

Preventing extremism

The UK Government aims to help prevent people becoming or supporting terrorists or violent extremists in the UK and abroad.

Disrupting terrorist operations

The Government is working to reduce the terrorist threat to the UK and interests abroad, by disrupting terrorists and their operations.

The UK's Counter Terrorism (CONTEST) Strategy

The UK Government's long-term strategy for countering international terrorism.

UK anti-terrorism legislation

View the legislative framework for preventing, protecting and pursuing terrorists