The UK has launched a Revised UK Counter-Terrorism Strategy, CONTEST to combat counterterrorism and reaffirms its commitment to work with partners to tackle the enduring and evolving threat to global peace.
CONTEST is the UK’s counterterrorism strategy, aimed at reducing the risk from terrorism to the UK, its citizens and interests overseas so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence. The UK Home Office officials conducted a comprehensive review of evidence on the terrorist threat and of the UK’s strategic response to inform this revised strategy.
Speaking at the CONTEST launch in Abuja, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery said: “A terrorist threat can emerge suddenly and grow rapidly. To enable us to respond, we must systematically build on our counterterrorism partnerships. The UK is looking to increase its diplomatic and political interventions in support of our CT objectives wherever we can, both to support operational activity and to support our key partners. That’s why I was delighted to host partners and colleagues of this community, to share the UK CONTEST strategy, as a way to bring people together to build stronger relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration.
As President Tinubu said in New York, “the entire region faces a protracted battle against violent extremists. Only together, can we address this threat.”
Adding that “Our global allies, and independent experts, recognise the core CONTEST Framework – Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare – as world-leading.
The UK continues to work with partners and colleagues in Nigeria to foster greater collaboration, share learning, and deliver together against a common threat.
The latest version of the CONTEST framework empowers UK government departments, devolved administrations, local authorities, frontline emergency services, intelligence agencies, and other partners, to work together to counter terrorism.
Dominica Nwabufo
