Britain risks becoming a "sanctuary" for extremists unless laws are urgently strengthened to tackle dangerous radicals operating within legal loopholes, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has warned.
In a stark intervention, the UK's top police officer revealed that current legislation prevents authorities from acting against about 100 high-risk extremists - including some who have returned from fighting with terrorist groups abroad.
Legal Gaps Exploited by Extremists
Sir Mark explained that while these individuals pose clear threats to national security, the evidence against them often falls short of terrorism prosecution thresholds. "We're stuck with this really difficult dilemma," he said.
The Commissioner highlighted disturbing cases including:
- Former ISIS fighters legally residing in Britain
- Extremist preachers radicalizing vulnerable people
- Activists promoting violence who stay just within legal boundaries
Call for Legislative Reform
Sir Mark urged politicians to create new laws targeting "sub-terrorist" extremist activity, similar to measures used against organized crime. He warned that failure to act could allow dangerous ideologies to flourish unchecked.
"There's a reasonable debate to be had about exactly where you draw lines," the Commissioner acknowledged, "but we can't pretend the current framework is sufficient."
Political Response
The warning comes as the government faces pressure to address extremism following recent protests and rising community tensions. Security minister Tom Tugendhat confirmed officials are "looking very carefully" at potential legal reforms.
Critics argue any new laws must balance security needs with protecting civil liberties - a challenge that continues to divide opinion in Westminster.
