The head of MI5, Ken McCallum, has issued a stark warning about the increasing terror threat from children in Britain. Over the past three years, investigations involving minors have tripled.
McCallum highlighted that children as young as 13 are being influenced by dangerous online extremism. Currently, under-18s constitute one in eight of all suspects in terror investigations. He expressed his astonishment, noting, “That’s not something I would expect to see earlier in my own career.”
Particularly concerning is the rise in extreme Right-wing terrorism among young people, who are being drawn in by individuals with a deep understanding of online culture. McCallum emphasised the crucial role of the internet in today’s threats and the necessity for security services to monitor online communications.
The boss of MI5, Ken McCallum, has described the rise of children being investigated for terrorism in the UK as “staggering” as he warned of “canny online memes” drawing them into extreme right-wing ideologies pic.twitter.com/qfhLtumwKt
— PA Media (@PA) October 8, 2024
While many anonymous online interactions are harmless, a small number lead to real-world violence, as evidenced by recent convictions of British teenagers. McCallum pointed out that the ease of accessing extremist material online has lowered the barrier for young people, increasing their involvement in terrorism.
He cited the case of a 16-year-old boy sentenced to seven years in April for planning a terrorist attack on the Isle of Wight Festival. The boy, who was 15 at the time, had searched for weapons online and tried to obtain a vehicle for the attack. Authorities apprehended him on the planned attack day, thanks to the FBI’s discovery of his posts on Discord.
McCallum also mentioned Mason Reynolds, 19, who received an eight-year sentence for plotting a neo-Nazi suicide bomb attack on a synagogue. Additionally, Daniel Harris, a 19-year-old from Derbyshire, was sentenced to 11-and-a-half years in prison for inspiring two mass shootings in the US, resulting in 15 deaths.
Recent Home Office data reveals that in the year leading up to June, police arrested 242 individuals on terror charges, with 17 per cent being 17 or younger. This is the highest proportion since records began over 20 years ago, compared to just two child arrests in the year to June 2002.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Global News reports MI5 Director General Ken McCallum warning of a worsening threat from ISIS, citing online activity and resurgence in terror cells globally.(read more)
- NZ Herald reports on MI5 chief Ken McCallum’s warning about a “staggering” rise in UK child terrorism suspects, attributing it to toxic online extremism and a threefold increase in three years.(read more)
- Sky News reports MI5’s Ken McCallum warns of a growing number of children involved in UK terrorism, with 13% under investigation, and rising threats from Iran and Russia.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What age group is MI5 most concerned about regarding terrorism?
How much have investigations into minors increased in the past three years?
What percentage of all terror suspects are under 18?
What is driving the increase in young people involved in terrorism?
The internet and online extremism.
What recent case involved a teenager planning an attack on a UK music festival?
A 16-year-old boy jailed for plotting an attack on the Isle of Wight Festival.