Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the Government’s counter-terrorism announcement, said:

“The threat from ISIL is serious. The Government does need to do more to stop young people being groomed and radicalised to go and fight, and also deal with the threat extremists pose here at home.

“Labour warned four years ago that it was wrong for Theresa May to remove relocation powers for the most serious cases, and we have called repeatedly for them to be reinstated. The reduced powers allowed two terror suspects to abscond. So those powers need to be reinstated now in line with the recommendations of David Anderson, the independent reviewer for terrorism legislation.

“More should be done to disrupt the travel plans of those planning to go out to fight — and those returning should face criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as being required to engage immediately with the Channel programme which works to de-radicalise people.

“And we need an overhaul of the Prevent programme, particularly to increase work with local communities to stop people being drawn into extremism in the first place.

“We will look at the detail of other measures when the Government’s forthcoming Bill is published. Strong powers should always be balanced by strong checks and balances, should be proportionate to the threat, and effective at keeping Britain safe and protecting our democratic values.”

ENDS