Commission for Countering Extremism

I have accepted a position as a visiting senior fellow at KCL’s War Studies Department, from where I plan to continue contributing to ongoing public policy debates around extremism and terrorism.

As outlined in CONTEST, during that time the CCE has become the government’s independent centre of excellence on extremism. Providing forensic, day-to-day scrutiny of government policy is a model that works— and one which I hope will endure.

These challenges have included 7/10 and its aftermath, violence and disorder in Southport, electoral intimidation, a revival of blasphemy-inspired activism, and much more.

Today is my last day as Commissioner for Countering Extremism and the government’s independent adviser on extremism. It has been a great privilege to help shape consecutive governments’ responses to the range of extremism challenges our country has faced over the past four years.

📊NEW: Our survey reveals widespread public concern about freedom of expression in the UK, including the rapid pace of change affecting how freely people feel able to speak. Read the full report: bit.ly/458rVFG

Today marks 20 years since the 7/7 London bombings. We remember the 52 lives lost that day, the 770 injured, and the families of all affected. Thank you to the first responders who showed extraordinary courage and tireless commitment to the safety of Londoners – both in the immediate aftermath and to this day, ensuring this terrible tragedy never happens again.

LISTEN: @RobinSimcox discusses the recent arrests linked to an alleged plot targeting the Israeli Embassy in London. 📻Today 08/05/25: bit.ly/4iTyAay [1h:16m-1:20] @BBCr4today @Emmabarnett

Read @Robin_Simcox's reflections on StaCU's first year and our new Annual Report. From establishing robust complaints processes to launching our first ministerial investigation, we've built a foundation for effective Prevent oversight. 🔗bit.ly/3YxNJqI

🚨 Our first Standards and Compliance Unit (StaCU) Annual Report is now published. The report highlights our work to ensure Prevent maintains the highest standards and aligns with ministerial objectives. Read the full report: bit.ly/3GE27aI

Our End of Year Report is now published, featuring @RobinSimcox's foreword on his tenure as Commissioner. It outlines @CommissionCE's work providing independent advice, training, and thought leadership on counter extremism. Read it here: bit.ly/44igJGC

.@RobinSimcox visited Paris to explore France's approach to extremism & strengthen UK-France cooperation. Talks with security officials & academics focused on Islamist terrorism, "separatism" & differing intervention strategies. @SG_CIPDR 🔗tinyurl.com/c3mbn6tu

Yesterday @RobinSimcox discussed the new CCE study, ‘Sacred Violence: the enduring role of ideology in terrorism and radicalisation’ with @SophyRidgeSky on @SkyPoliticsHub. See the interview here: bit.ly/41XxpSc

'What happened in Gaza has amplified the pre-existing Islamist terror threat, and its consequences will be felt for years.' Commissioner for Countering Extremism @RobinSimcox discusses the security risks in the aftermath of the Gaza conflict. trib.al/CBvt3Vz

"Well I don't think he meets any definition of terrorism that I have seen." Commissioner for countering extremism @RobinSimcox talks to @SophyRidgeSky about whether Axel Rudakubana, the Southport killer, should be classified as a terrorist. #PoliticsHub trib.al/ftpea6d

In his latest blog, @RobinSimcox examines new research by Dr Donald Holbrook, showing terrorists are both deeply immersed in extremist ideology and let it guide their actions. Read his analysis of what this means for counter-terrorism policy. 🔗tinyurl.com/vvvshfcz

NEW: Read @RobinSimcox's piece in @thetimes alongside @Fhamiltontimes article on why ideology matters in understanding terrorism. Research commissioned by CCE shows terrorists don't just dabble with extremist content, they're immersed in it. 🔗tinyurl.com/j2bjte8p

Today, we publish exciting research by Dr Donald Holbrook, examining the ideological drivers of terrorism. Analysis of 100 UK terrorists reveals ideology isn't peripheral—it's central to understanding why they fight. 🔗 tinyurl.com/ybnhv9cj

Today we honour the millions who lost their lives in the Holocaust and pay tribute to the courage of those who survived. Never forget.

Last week, @RobinSimcox visited Southport to meet @seftoncouncil senior leaders, counter extremism professionals and community representatives to discover how Southport has attempted to recover from the events of last summer. Read more here: bit.ly/40IYSX4

Last week, @RobinSimcox held a meeting with Minister for Early Education @StephenMorganMP to discuss how @CommissionCE and @educationgovuk can work together to build resilience to extremism within educational settings.