CONTEST is the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, which aims to reduce risk from terrorism so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence. CONTEST looks at all forms of terrorism to this country and its interests, whether the activity starts in the UK or from overseas. A key part of the strategy is that it aims to catch and prosecute terrorists, but also to prevent people becoming terrorists in the first place.

CONTEST has been in place since early 2003, directly after the 9/11 attacks in the USA. It has undergone a number of revisions since and will continue to do so as the terrorist landscape changes. As indicated above, the success of the strategy is not linked to the complete elimination of terrorism but to the reduction in the threat sufficiently enough to allow us to carry out a normal life free from fear. 

CONTEST has four key parts to it:

Pursue

This part of the strategy is about stopping terrorist attacks in the UK and against our overseas interests. This is carried out by early investigation into threats, disrupting terrorist activity and where possible prosecuting those responsible. Much of this work is done in the background without much public knowledge. 

Prevent

This part of the strategy is carried out by multi-agency partners locally, to stop people becoming exploited or radicalised. Groups known as Prevent Boards sit to discuss particular cases to ensure that all known intelligence is acted on and action is taken to prevent radicalised or exploited individuals causing any harm. This is carried out by challenging terrorist propaganda and aiming to reduce support for terrorism of all kinds.

Protect

This part of the strategy is focused on reducing the risks for terrorist activities to be successful or cause any harm. Effectively, this work is aiming to make the UK as a whole more protected and reducing its vulnerability to terrorist attacks. Some examples might be protecting crowded places and hazardous materials to ensure they are difficult for a terrorist to attack.

Prepare

This is the final part of the strategy and is focused around reducing the impact of a terrorist attack where the attack cannot be stopped. This is carried out by bringing a terrorist attack to an end as swiftly as possible and supporting everyone involved to recover quickly. An efficient and effective response at this stage will save lives and reduce harm.