Counter Terror Awards 2020 winners announced

COUNTER TERROR AWARDS 2020 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Counter Terror Awards acknowledge excellence in the global fight against terrorism. Since 2018, organisations and individuals from the UK and overseas have been recognised across 20 categories for their contributions to reducing the threat of global terrorism.

This year, in a shorter category list, Counter Terror Business, organisers of the Awards, again looks to share appreciation and celebrate the people and organisations who are making the country and safer place to live. From communications and cyber security efforts, to policing on the front line and educating pupils against radicalisation, the shortlisted entries have been chosen for their actions in the 12-18 months, where the threat of terrorism has again grown.

Despite the threat level in the UK having been reduced to substantial in November 2019, meaning an attack is likely, and the recent coronavirus pandemic appearing to disrupt the actions of criminals somewhat, incidents have been witnessed across the country. In the same month that the terrorism threat level was downgraded to ‘Substantial’, London Bridge played scene to another incident when 28-year-old Usman Khan started attacking people with a knife and was then shot by police. A few months ago, Sudesh Amman stabbed people in Streatham a week after being released from prison after serving half of his sentence of three years and four months for terror offences.

The 2019 Global Terrorism Index revealed that deaths from terrorism have halved in the last four years, but the number of countries affected by terrorism continues to grow, and, in the UK, the Home Office has announced that funding for counter terrorism policing will grow to £906 million in 2020 to 2021 - highlighting the scale of problem and resources needed to ebb the terrorist flow.

In spite of the challenges, policies, practices and solutions are being created to counter the threat - something our shortlisted entries can all be proud of.

Click here to view the 2020 Counter Terror Awards winners and shortlisted organisations