Threat of terrorist attack in United Kingdom highest ever; 40 plots foiled

Abc.net.au | November 25, 2014

The UK government says the threat of a terrorist attack on home soil is at its highest ever and about 40 plots have been foiled in recent years.

The government has proposed new laws, including powers to stop would-be terrorists leaving Britain and suspected jihadists returning.

The draft legislation, to be introduced to parliament on Wednesday, also foresees a ban on insurance companies covering ransoms for UK citizens who are taken hostage.

However, questions have been raised over how to curb the threat of a terrorist attack without curbing civil liberties.

The current home secretary, Theresa May, said despite the concerns over civil liberties, doing nothing was not an option.

"When the security and intelligence agencies tell us that the threat we face is now more dangerous than at any time before or since 9/11, we should take notice," Ms May said.

She said since the attacks on London on July 7, 2005, about 40 terrorist plots had been foiled, including alleged plans to behead members of the public, conduct Mumbai-style gun attacks and blow up the London Stock Exchange.

The growth of Islamic State has significantly heightened the perceived threat.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-25/threat-of-terrorist-attack-in-uk-highest-ever/5915020