£300m Counter Terrorism Centre to Boost UK Security
Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has revealed plans for a new £300 million Counter Terrorism Operations Centre (CTOC) in London, a giant leap in the battle against terror.
Learning from 2017 Attacks
“I’m thrilled the government is backing this vital project,” said Dick. “After the horrific 2017 attacks, MI5 and the Met pledged to learn hard lessons and work closer together. This new joint operations centre is a direct result of that commitment.”
Since 2017, police, the Mayor of London, intelligence agencies, and government have teamed up to transform the concept into reality. The CTOC will bring police and national security partners under one roof, significantly enhancing London’s and the UK’s safety.
Historic Step in Counter Terrorism
Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, called the project “a genuinely historic milestone.” He added: “Being co-located takes our close partnership to the next level and boosts our ability to protect UK citizens.”
Basu praised the government and Mayor of London for their joint support, stating, “There are no party politics in protecting the public.”
Why the CTOC is Critical Now
- The CTOC was born out of the 2017 attacks that killed 36 people and changed many lives.
- A major review led by Lord Anderson called for an upgraded, adaptable response to evolving threats.
- Since 2017, 27 terror plots have been disrupted in the UK.
- The terrorism threat level has recently risen to SEVERE amid growing risks.
The new centre will house London-based counter-terrorism police, intelligence agencies, the criminal justice system, and other government bodies fighting terrorism. This integrated hub will drive smarter working, streamline processes, and foster innovation.
The CTOC marks the first time all London-based counter-terrorism units will operate in one place — a game changer in keeping the UK safe from terror.
