Key Points:
• Almost 250 suspected extremists were arrested in 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.
• 39 of those arrested were children under 17 years old.
• 84 suspects have been charged, 117 released under investigation, and 43 freed without charge.
• 257 individuals were in prison for terrorism offences as of December, the highest number on record since 2015.
Notable Trends:
According to Home Office figures, 61% of those imprisoned for terrorism offences hold Islamist-extremist views, while 30% are extreme right-wingers.
The number of female arrests nearly doubled in a year, rising from 27 to 48.
British nationals account for 63% of all arrests since September 2001, followed by individuals from Algeria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Iran.
Decline in Stop-and-Searches:
Stop-and-searches under the Terrorism Act hit a record low in 2024, with only 71 individuals intercepted by law enforcement.
This number has been decreasing since 2017 when there were over 1,000 stop-and-search incidents.
Government Response:
Security Minister Dan Jarvis commended the efforts of police and intelligence services in combating terrorism, emphasizing the importance of providing them with necessary tools and resources.
He stated, "We will always ensure that they have the necessary tools and resources to tackle radicalisation and protect the public."
