ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the current threat posed to the United Kingdom by the Islamic State and al-Qaida can be partially explained by a hitherto lax attitude toward foreign political Islamist groups. It outlines when, and why, this mindset changed. It explains why the homegrown threat to the United Kingdom was prioritized following the terrorist attacks of July 7, 2005, with a new focus placed on preventing people from being drawn to terrorism. As events in Iraq and Syria elevated the threat to new heights, this chapter outlines which powers the state deployed in response. It also places the United Kingdom’s approach to countering Islamist terrorism in context with efforts across Europe. Finally, the chapter forecasts how the threat could manifest itself in the United Kingdom going forward.
