[holding answer 26 November 2007]: Since early 2003, the United Kingdom has had a long-term strategy for countering international terrorism (known within Government as CONTEST). Its aim is to reduce the risk from international terrorism, so that people can go about their daily lives freely and with confidence. The strategy is divided into four principal strands: Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare. The polices and activities which flow from that cover the whole of the United Kingdom.
As part of this strategy the Government have developed a national structure for counter terrorism policing which includes a Counter Terrorism Unit based in the West Midlands. The unit was established in April 2007 and will reach full capacity in 2008. The national structure has significantly increased the ability of the police to gather intelligence and evidence against terrorists and to disrupt them and their activities.