The New Statesman | UK politics and culture How do we fight terror now? - Andrew Marr and Jacob Davey on the Southport killer trial.
Jan 23, 2025
Jacob Davey, Director of Policy and Research at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, shares his insights on the trial of Axel Rudakabana, who pled guilty to murdering three young girls in Southport. The conversation delves into whether Rudakabana is a terrorist or simply disturbed. They critique the UK's PREVENT strategy and discuss the connection between misogyny and violence. Additionally, the impact of misinformation on social media following the murders is explored, exposing the challenges in navigating public perceptions and political accountability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Evolving Terror Threat
- The rising threat from lone individuals radicalized online isn't entirely new.
- Experts have observed this trend for years, evolving alongside communication methods and social media.
Defining Terrorism
- Jacob Davey questions whether the Southport attack qualifies as terrorism under the current definition.
- He suggests a need for broader strategies to prevent mass violence beyond the scope of terrorism.
Prevent's Evolution
- Prevent, the UK's counter-terrorism strategy, has evolved since its inception after the 7/7 bombings.
- It now includes a growing category for individuals with radicalization vulnerability but no clear ideology.