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Terrorism, as defined in the Terrorism Act 2000, is the action or threat of
where that action is designed to influence the government or an international governmental organisation, or to intimidate the public and for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.
Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:
The UK Government has recently updated this definition of extremism for England and have included examples of behaviour that could constitute extremism to illustrate this definition.
The threat of Terrorism and Extremism is primarily addressed through CONTEST, the UK Government’s counter-terrorism strategy. The terrorist threat in the UK today is dominated by individuals or small groups acting outside of organised terrorist networks. It is a trend which makes terrorists less predictable and harder to identify, investigate and disrupt. Threat levels are designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack. The CONTEST strategy aims to reduce the risk to the UK from terrorism through four work strands:
CONTEST in Wales is supported through the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU). WECTU was established in 2006, creating one Special Branch for the whole of Wales. Through working collaboratively, WECTU aims to work more effectively in its response to the threat from national and international terrorism and extremism.
Addressing the direct threat of terrorism through CONTEST is bolstered by broader work to tackle both violent and non-violent extremism. This is supported through the work of the Prevent Duty and the Counter-Extremism Strategy with a new definition of extremism published in 2024. In addition, community cohesion is a significant cross-government priority to build resilience and can help limit opportunities for extremists.
The Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaign by UK Counter Terrorism Policing states that examples of suspicious activity or behaviour could potentially include:
If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious trust your instincts and ACT by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT or, in an emergency, dial 999.
The Terrorism Act 2000 provides the main framework for counter-terrorism powers in the UK. The following are the relevant legislation relating to Terrorism and Extremism in Wales and the UK:
The Terrorism Act 2000 defines Terrorism, associated offences, and provides police powers to arrest and detain suspected terrorists, stop and search vehicles and pedestrians, and to impose parking restrictions. It provides powers to investigate terrorism by searching premises and general powers for police, customs and immigration officers including exchange of information.
Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 widens the offences that can be classed as terror-connected, increases sentencing, provides a minimum period of 12 months on licence, and requires adult offenders to take polygraph tests. Offenders are subject to the Registered Terrorist Offender notification requirements post-release. The Act strengthens Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures and supports the use of Serious Crime Prevention Orders in terrorism cases.
The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 updated by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, outlines the duties to prevent Persons vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. Prevent activity in local areas relies on the co-operation of many organisations to be effective. Chapter 1 of Part 5 of the 2015 Act underpins this co-operation with a duty on specified authorities (listed in Schedule 6 to the 2015 Act), including local authorities, the police, prisons and probation providers, and education and health providers, to have due regard when performing their functions to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. The Prevent Duty is specifically contained in Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
Chapter 2 of Part 5 of the 2015 Act underpins the Channel arrangements. In particular, section 36 requires local authorities to establish a panel (known as a “Channel panel”) to discuss and, where appropriate, determine the provision of support for people who have been identified by the police as at risk of being drawn into terrorism. The panel must determine what support may be provided and in what circumstances. Subsections (3) and (4) amend section 36 to enable a local authority, as well as the police, to refer an individual who they believe to be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism to a Channel panel. Section 38 requires the partners of a panel (that is, those bodies listed in Schedule 7 to the 2015 Act) to cooperate with the panel to allow the panel to make informed decisions and carry out its functions. There is an associated duty to cooperate with the police, in particular, in relation to their function of determining whether an individual should be referred to a panel for the carrying out of an assessment. Subsections (6) and (7) amend section 38 so that the duty on the partners of a panel to cooperate with the police in discharging their functions under section 36 extends to a duty to co-operate with a local authority carrying out such functions. The partners of a panel must have regard to statutory guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 outlines the well-being duty on public bodies, which must set well-being objectives to meet well-being goals – one of which is a Wales of cohesive communities. This goal will support attractive, viable, safe and well-connected communities. Building more cohesive communities is also a key part of the UK’s Counter-Extremism Strategy.
The Civil Contingencies Act, and accompanying non-legislative measures, delivers a single framework for civil protection in the UK. The Act is separated into 2 substantive parts: local arrangements for civil protection (Part 1); and emergency powers (Part 2). The Wales Resilience Forum and local fora bring together partners to help meet these duties in Wales.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s law) received Royal Assent on the 03 April 2025. The Act will require public premises where 200 or more individuals may be present, to be better prepared and have plans in place to keep people safe in the event of an attack.
Key websites include Counter-Terrorism Policing, ACT Early, National Counter Terrorism Security Office, the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure and UK Government’s Counter-Terrorism pages.
ACT – Call the national police Prevent advice line 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share your concerns with specially trained officers.
Victim Support – The charity Victim Support provides information for those who have been affected by terrorism.
UK Government – Has a dedicated page with advice and support for victims of terrorism.
Action Counters Terrorism or ‘ACT’ Campaign – Provides information, including ways to report terrorism or extremist content. The ACT App, powered by Urim, allows access to training, information, and incident management support. Find out more here or download on Apple or Android.
The Eyes Wide Open film – For anyone who has a security role within the UK national infrastructure or responsibility for security in crowded places. It helps the viewer recognise suspicious behaviour and have the confidence to report suspicious incidents. Visit the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) YouTube channel or the Counter-Terrorism Policing YouTube channel for more educational videos.
Counter Terrorism Policing – Have collaborated with specialists from the PSHE Association and Girlguiding to take terrorism safety advice into the UK’s classrooms and youth organisations for the first time. Access the youth resources and lesson plans.
Project Servator – Police working with the community with businesses, partners, and members of the public to build a network of vigilance and encourage suspicious activity to be reported.
Project Kraken – The national initiative to increase public awareness of terrorism and criminal or suspicious activity at marinas, moorings or on water.
Project Pegasus – An initiative set up to get people who work in aviation or live near airports to join the fight against organised crime and terrorism.
It’s important to be alert but not alarmed. With a little bit of knowledge, you can help to keep yourself safe and know what to do if you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right.
If you are worried that someone you know is being radicalised, visit actearly.uk. You won’t be wasting time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them. Alternatively, you can call the national Police Prevent Advice Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, and specially trained Prevent officers will listen carefully to your concerns.
Content last reviewed – April 2025
