UK vows tougher stance to counter terrorism

Posted on Jun 4, 2017 in Analysis & Comment

Incumbent British Prime Minister Theresa May has promised a tougher stance against international terrorism and its sympathisers after the  violent  incidents in London and Manchester that left dozens dead or wounded. In each case responsibility for the attacks was claimed by the Daesh terror franchise.

May hopes to continue with her toughening stance if elected in the UK general election on 8 June. Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn has said the UK also needs to review policies that engender terrorism, a taboo subject in Britain that triggered an outcry against his pronouncements.

May reiterated her intention to make internet companies culpable for provocative content. It isn’t yet clear if the government also plans to punish or sanction British news media that selectively open their content to comment which is often hateful and directed at communities and, in many cases, indirectly in contravention of existing laws governing dissemination of hate.