Western Europe

According to the latest UK Home Office crime statistics, data for the year ending March 2024 demonstrates a 25% increase in the number of religious hate crimes compared to the previous year. Spikes in hate crime can be partially attributed to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which began in October 2023. National Hate Crime Awareness week will take place from 11 to 18 October 2025. The UK government has implemented the Hate Crime Strategy 2025-2028 to reduce the impact of h

State-sponsored sabotage is assessed as the most likely explanation for the incursions, which have been described by Danish government officials as a "hybrid attack" and "systematic operation." The tactics, locations, and timing of the incursions suggest deliberate efforts to test the responses of NATO air defences and undermine political unity ahead of the European Political Community meeting, which is due to take place in Copenhagen on 02 October 2025.

Supporters see the digital ID as a practical tool to curb illegal working, reduce fraud, and streamline access to public and private services, drawing on international examples such as Estonia and Denmark. Critics, including civil liberties groups, warn of risks to privacy, potential “mission creep,” and the emergence of a surveillance culture, with more than 2.4 million people signing petitions against the policy. Political and public reaction has been deeply divided, with p

The event highlights the growing visibility and scale of far-right mobilisation in the UK, linking domestic movements with international networks, and demonstrates the operational challenges for authorities in managing large-scale demonstrations. Online amplification of attendance claims and messaging suggests continued efforts to build momentum for future rallies, while counter-protests remain a focal point of opposition.

On 13 September 2025, central London will host two large, opposing demonstrations: Tommy Robinson’s “Free Speech Festival” and a counter-protest led by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) and allied anti-fascist groups. Based on previous demonstrations organised and promoted by Tommy Robinson, attendance is likely to be in high tens of thousands. Organisers are claiming it could attract at least 150,000 'patriots' but quoting interest from at least 500,000 people and mark the biggest r

Far-right mobilisation may intensify in the coming weeks, particularly around asylum hotels and key symbolic dates, with a heightened risk of escalation and social unrest at some confirmed anti-immigration protests that could attract participants with disruptive or extremist affiliations. The spread of misinformation appears to be an increasingly influential driver of protest activity, with unverified claims alone capable of triggering rapid mobilisation and significant po

The UK retail sector is facing an unprecedented wave of sophisticated cyberattacks in 2025, with major brands like Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods suffering crippling blows to their operations, finances, and reputations. Over just a few weeks this spring, attackers managed to halt online orders, disrupt payment systems, and expose sensitive customer data, underscoring the sector’s acute vulnerability in an era of digital transformation.

The threat of terrorism remains relevant across the UK, with the UK Government outlining a terrorism threat level of “substantial”, meaning that “an attack is likely”. The threat in London is particularly significant. There are considerations and precautions that individuals can take to protect themselves. The public is advised to remain aware of unattended bags, especially if they display signs of potential danger such as exposed wires, batteries, adhesive tape, liquids, or

With growing political will, multiple countries are recognising and developing solutions to the challenges posed by grey zone warfare. However, the matter will require ongoing multilateral cooperation and investment. This will be made harder by actors who continue to refine new methods and technologies to undermine and neutralise countermeasures.

Though a successful counterterrorism operation, the recent arrests of five Iranian nationals underscore the persistent threat of state-sponsored terrorism across the UK. Geopolitically motivated state-sponsored terrorism is a growing challenge across the West, demanding robust international cooperation to meet shared counter-terrorism objectives. As global tensions intensify, state-sponsored terrorism is likely to remain a persistent and complex challenge.

On 24 April 90,000 people filed past the Pontiff's body following an 8 hour wait for access to pay respects to him. Factors including strong media attention, the religious element, and large crowds increase the appeal of the event as a target for Islamist terror groups. Travel disruptions are highly likely and visitors should expect closures, restrictions, and huge crowds. The Pope will continue to lie in state until the evening of 25 April 2025 and at around 1900hr

Clashes between rival gangs have been reported from Edinburgh and Glasgow over drug territories with violence levels that are rapidly escalating. Methods used between the rivals have been firebombs, firearms, weapons. The past six weeks have seen over a dozen brutal attacks take place with private properties and children caught in the crossfire of the organised crime that the Police Federation admitted there are not enough officers to deal with.

The “Revolutionary Class Struggle", a newly emerged extremist group, claimed responsibility for the incident. The group made their claim via a post on the "Athens Indymedia" website and also took credit for a similar incident involving explosives at the Labour Ministry building in Athens in February 2024.

The proposed amendments would give police the ability to impose conditions on protests, including altering protest routes and timings to prevent disruption to those attending places of worship. This comes in the wake of violent incidents during the summer of 2024, when religious venues including mosques and synagogues were targeted by protests, making it risky or impossible for worshippers to practice their faith peacefully.

The Russian ships, which included destroyer RFN Severomorsk, landing ship RFN Alexander Shabalin, and two transport ships, MV Sparta IV and MV Siyanie Severa, were sailing east towards the Baltic Sea. This comes after the Royal Navy began an operation on 16 March 2025 after tanker Tidesurge had monitored the destroyer in the North Sea and through the Strait of Dover. HMS Somerset and her Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron then began shadowing Russian task group's e