Fact Check: "Islamism has caused more terror in Britain than the far right."
What We Know
The claim that "Islamism has caused more terror in Britain than the far right" is rooted in the historical context of terrorism in the UK. Research indicates that since the 9/11 attacks, there has been a significant increase in Islamist terrorism, primarily driven by groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS (source-1). A report by the Commission for Countering Extremism highlights that Islamist extremism represents a considerable terror threat in the UK, suggesting that it has been more prevalent compared to far-right extremism (source-2).
However, the landscape of extremism is evolving. Recent statistics indicate that far-right terrorism is the fastest-growing terror threat in the UK, with an increase in incidents and a shift in the demographics of perpetrators (source-4). Additionally, public perception reflects a growing concern about far-right extremism, with surveys indicating that people are increasingly aware of the threats posed by these groups (source-7).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is mixed. On one hand, Islamist terrorism has historically been more lethal and frequent in the UK, particularly in the years following major attacks like 9/11. The Commission for Countering Extremism's report suggests that Islamist extremism poses a greater threat, which aligns with historical data showing the deadliness of attacks attributed to Islamist groups (source-2).
On the other hand, the rise of far-right extremism cannot be overlooked. Recent studies indicate that far-right terrorism is not only increasing but is also becoming more organized and deadly. The growing concern over this type of extremism is reflected in public surveys and academic research, which show that the threat landscape is changing (source-4, source-6).
The reliability of sources varies; while governmental reports and peer-reviewed studies provide credible data, media reports may carry biases depending on their framing of the issues. For instance, the BBC has noted some similarities in tactics and ideologies between far-right and Islamist extremists, which complicates the narrative of one being more dangerous than the other (source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that "Islamism has caused more terror in Britain than the far right" is Partially True. While historical data supports the assertion that Islamist extremism has been a more significant threat in terms of the number and lethality of attacks, the recent rise of far-right extremism indicates a shifting landscape. Both forms of extremism present serious threats, and the growing prevalence of far-right terrorism suggests that it cannot be dismissed as a lesser concern. Thus, while the claim holds some truth, it does not capture the full complexity of the current situation.
Sources
- A comparison of political violence by left-wing, right ... Link
- The national research environment for the study of ... Link
- Commission publishes new extremism statistics and academic ... Link
- The Growing Concern Over Older Far-Right Terrorists Link
- The unlikely similarities between the far right and IS - BBC Link
- Terrorism in the United Kingdom Link
- Which extremists do Britons see as threats in 2024? Link
