Foreign secretary speaks at UN Counter-Terrorism Committee meeting

On Saturday, UK foreign secretary James Cleverly, made a speech at the Special Meeting of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee.

During the speech, he emphasised that countries need to do more nationally and internationally to counter the threat of terrorism, with the UN and Counter-Terrorism Committee having a significant role to play.

He mentioned past terror attacks and how he is reminded of them.

Cleverly talked of technological advances that offer terrorists new opportunities. Whereas 20 years ago, terrorists circulated crackly voice recordings, now they are able to recruit online and live-stream attacks.

He also talked about how terrorist groups are able to conceal finances and sustain activities online.

Talking about how to disrupt terrorist financing, Cleverly said: “This is vital work. The threat from terrorism has not gone away. We know that a repressive response will only exacerbate the problem.

"And if we are to keep our people safe, we must comply with human rights, and we must continue to work together, and with industry, and all parts of our communities, to discredit the narratives of hate.

To counter radicalisation. To infiltrate networks. To foil plots. And to starve terrorists of the finances and emerging technologies that they would use to do us harm.”