UK home secretary Priti Patel on Tuesday (5) announced a new special envoy for countering violent extremism as part of a wider counter-terrorism strategy.
Former Labour Party MP John Woodcock, who has experience working on counter-terrorism legislation as a former member of the Parliament’s Defence Select Committee and Home Affairs Select Committee, has been named as the first incumbent of the post.
"Our counter-terrorism strategy is always evolving to match the changing threat and this important new role will help to inform this work," said Patel.
"As well as informing the UK’s work tackling terrorism, it will also ensure we share these lessons with our global partners,” noted the minister, adding that Woodcock would bring a "range of skills" to the new role.
As a special envoy, Woodcock’s work will involve improving the UK’s response to violent extremism, with a particular focus on tackling far right violent extremism, taking lessons from global best practice.
Woodcock had earlier announced plans not to stand as an MP in the December 12 elections because he and his partner are expecting a new baby.
The MP from Barrow and Furness in Cumbria, north-west England, has held the seat since 2010.
The 41-year-old, who has made scathing attacks on Jeremy Corbyn''s leadership, had been sitting as an Independent MP in the House of Commons since his Labour Party whip was withdrawn in April 2018 pending an investigation into a sexual harassment allegation. He denies the allegation from a former female staff member.
Davindra and Seema Misra, and Vijay and Gita Parekh
Varchas Patel with his father Vipin and mother Jayshriben
Hasmukh Shingadia and his wife Chandrika were all victims of the Horizon scandal
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)