Anti-Terrorism, Citizenship and Security in the UK

Lead Research Organisation: Oxford Brookes University
Department Name: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Abstract

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Description The experience of recent terrorist attacks has led to increased interest in how governments respond to unconventional violences. To date, however, very little research has been conducted on how ordinary people think about counter-terrorism policy broadly, and, more specifically, how counter-terrorist measures impact on public perceptions and experiences of security.
Our project addresses these lacunae through the use of community-based focus groups across the United Kingdom. In so doing, it aims to shed light on three important questions:
1. To what extent do significant differences exist in attitudes to anti-terrorism measures based on an individual's geography or ethnicity?
2. What implications do these attitudes - and differences therein - pose for citizenship within the UK?
3. How specifically do 'ordinary' people understand the term 'security' in the context of terrorism and counter-terrorism, and, indeed, beyond?
Our initial findings suggest that whilst differences between ethnic groups in terms of attitudes to anti-terrorism policies (support for them or otherwise) are slight, there are pronounced differences in the impact of such measures (perceived and experienced) upon distinct citizens and communities. Such differences point to genuine concerns surrounding the universality of citizenship within the UK, and the rights, responsibilities and opportunities for political participation associated with this status. Moreover, our research also suggests that security is understood in a broad and varied fashion across the UK, and we offer a conceptual typography of five discrete security imaginaries articulated to us by members of the public. These link security to survival, contentment, hospitality, equality and freedom respectively.
Exploitation Route Findings will continue to be of use to politicians and policymakers in the counter terrorism area, as they give an indication of how different sections of the public respond to counter terrorism measures
Sectors Communities and Social Services/Policy,Government, Democracy and Justice,Security and Diplomacy
 
Description The research into people's perceptions of safety in relation to anti-terrorism measures has significantly shaped and informed public and political debate in this complex and controversial area. This has included submissions to the Home Office, providing a policy briefing to the National Assembly for Wales, and hosting a workshop with representatives from 'think tanks' and government departments. Additionally, we engaged with a variety of civil society/advocacy groups and published commentary (including by invitation) on this area of public policy. Our research has highlighted the negative experiences of a range of ethnic minority citizens, as well as demonstrating the merits of using evidence based research in a highly political and sensitive arena.
First Year Of Impact 2010
Sector Communities and Social Services/Policy,Government, Democracy and Justice,Security and Diplomacy
Impact Types Policy & public services
 
Description Contribution to Review of Counter Terrorism and Security Powers
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
Impact In our contribution, we advocated a permanent removal of the section 44 stop and search powers in the 2000 Terrorism Act, as well as reforms to the Control Orders regime. Both of these were subsequently significantly amended and/or removed
 
Title Anti-Terrorism, Citizenship and Security in the UK 
Description Transcripts of 14 focus groups conducted across the UK concerning attitudes to anti-terrorism powers, citizenship and security 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2012 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Unaware of any direct impacts as of yet 
URL http://discover.ukdataservice.ac.uk/catalogue?sn=7045
 
Description Anti terrorism, citizenship & security in the UK 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact End of Project research dissemination seminar. Presentation to government, think tanks, stakeholders & security professionals

Practitioners in the area of counter terrorism were engaged by the findings of the research. Professor Graseby later informed us that he cited the research in a subsequent presentation
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
 
Description Anti-Terrorism, Security & Citizenship Project Workshop Programme 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact Anti-Terrorism, Security & Citizenship Project Workshop Programme. Attended by 20 participants, with papers presented and discussed.

Ultimately, led to the edited volume "Critical Perspectives on Counter Terrorism", published by Routledge in 2014
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010
 
Description Contribution to Soundings website 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Contribution to online blog concerning the revision to the Prevent strategy announced in 2011

Cited in "Arches Quarterly" 5 (9), in an article entitled 'Prevent Agenda and the doctrine of fear in the Muslim community' by Imran Awan.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
URL http://soundings.mcb.org.uk/?p=31
 
Description Contribution to openDemocracy website 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact A short article applying our research findings to the Counter Terrorism Review published in 2011

I was asked to chair a conference Border Security and Counter-Terrorism conference, 28 September 2011, Barbican Centre London
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
URL https://www.opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom/dr-michael-lister-dr-lee-jarvis/counter-terrorism-review-tr...
 
Description Presentation to Welsh Assembly 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Around 30 members of the Welsh Assembly, their staff and other interested groups attended a presentation entitled 'Feeling Secure? The Public and UK Counter-terrorism Powers', which sparked questions and discussion afterwards

None that we are aware of
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010