Counter-terrorism police arrest eleven suspected members of far-right National Action terrorist group in nationwide swoop

Counter-terrorism police have arrested eleven suspected members of the far-right National Action terrorist group in a nationwide swoop. The suspect are all men aged between 23 and 35, and they were arrested on suspicion of offences ranging from preparation of a terrorist act through to membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation.

National Action is a deeply antisemitic, violent organisation whose fascist ideology and terrorist operations threaten British society. In February, a 17-year-old member of National Action walked free despite being convicted of preparing a bomb with which to spark an “all-out race war”. It was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in December 2016 following a long campaign by Campaign Against Antisemitism and others. Under section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000, membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation is a criminal offence.

Counter-terrorism police are now searching the suspects’ homes.

Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Snowden, head of the North East Counter Terrorism Unit, said: “Today’s arrests are part of coordinated action by the national counter-terrorism network and UK policing. Those who promote extreme right-wing views are looking to divide our communities and spread hatred. This will not be tolerated and those who do so must be brought to justice.”

The Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu of the Metropolitan Police, said: “Counter-terror policing is committed to tackling all forms of extremism that threatens public safety and security. Investigations relating to alleged extreme right-wing activity are pursued with the same level or resource and vigour as other ideologies, in order to bring suspected offenders before the courts. Today’s arrests, while resulting from two separate investigations, have been coordinated by our officers across a number of forces. This maximises operational effectiveness for police and minimises disruption for the local communities.”

Nine men were arrested in England, including six in north-west England, two in West Yorkshire and one in Wiltshire. One of the men was already in prison. Two men were arrested in Wales.

The suspect are:

• A 24-year-old man from Seaforth on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, funding terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation;
• A 23-year-old man from Newton-le-Willows on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, funding terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation;
• A 33-year-old man from Prescott on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, funding terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation;
• A 31-year-old man from Warrington on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, funding terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation;
• A 35-year-old man from Warrington on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, funding terrorism and membership of a proscribed organisation;
• A 22-year-old man from Lancashire has been produced from prison for police interview on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act and membership of a proscribed organisation;
• A 28-year-old man from Swansea on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation and possession of terrorism material/documents;
• A 23-year-old man from Sowerby Bridge on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation;
• A 23-year-old-man from Swansea on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation;
• A 26-year-old man from Leeds on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation; and
• A 30-year-old man from Wiltshire on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation.

Three soldiers were charged with membership of National Action earlier in the month.

We thank the police for their constant vigilance.

We are following the case with interest.