‘Biggest threat’ to UK is extremism, says Home Secretary ahead of 7/7 anniversary | OneFootball

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has stated that Islamic and right-wing extremism continue to pose Britain’s "biggest threats", as the nation approaches the 20th anniversary of the July 7 bombings.

On 7 July 2005, four suicide bombers targeted London’s transport network, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 across three Underground trains and a bus.

A series of attempted bombings followed the attacks, and during the subsequent police manhunt for suspects, Jean Charles de Menezes was tragically shot dead at a tube station.

Writing in the Sunday Mirror, Ms Cooper recalled how news of the attacks had emerged as she headed to a local government conference in her then-role as a junior minister.

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7/7: The London Bombings. Emergency services arrive at Edgware Road underground following the attack (Getty Images)

“The anti-radicalisation programme Prevent became more important than ever,” Ms Cooper said.

“And communities across the nation were determined that hatred would not win.

“The work done at that time has endured and evolved. Islamist extremist terrorism remains the greatest threat, followed by extreme right-wing terrorism.

“But we also face threats from hostile states, serious organised crime, cyber criminals, and a rise in individuals radicalised online.”

Ms Cooper referenced how the approach to tackling terrorism had continued to evolve in the wake of the tragedy.

In April, legislation providing greater protection to help prevent and reduce the harm of terror attacks at event venues officially became law.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, compels all UK venues expecting 200 or more people to be on site to prepare for the event of a terror attack.

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Figen Murray, centre, campaigned for a change in the law in memory of her 29-year-old son Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 (PA)

Larger premises expected to host 800 people or more also have to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to an assault, such as CCTV, bag searches or vehicle checks.

Figen Murray campaigned for the law change in memory of her 29-year-old son Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester Arena bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.

Speaking when the Bill was signed into law, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Today is a landmark moment for our security as my Government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn’s Law and better protect the public from terrorism.