Islamist extremists have infiltrated Government and key public utilities to pass sensitive information to terrorists, the security services have warned. Counter-terrorism officials say “insiders” or their associates are almost certainly working “undetected” in sensitive posts and are actively supporting the activities of extremists.
The development is detailed in intelligence reports circulated to the Home Office, police and Whitehall officials. The London Underground, Gatwick airport and BT are cited as examples of organisations which have been targeted by individuals linked to terrorists. Officials say the idea of “penetrating the enemy is pervasive” for Islamist extremists. It is understood a number of suspected jihadists working in Government departments and the public services are being monitored by the security services.
Details of the threat emerged months after the Daily Mail revealed fears that Scotland Yard has been infiltrated by individuals linked to extremist groups including Al Qaeda. Several police officers and civilian staff are being monitored amid claims they are long-term sleepers trying to gain sensitive information of use to terrorists.
A councillor who campaigns against a “mega mosque” near the Olympic Park in Stratford is to run for London mayor. Alan Craig, leader of the Christian People’s Alliance opposition group on Newham council, is to be a candidate in the 1 May poll. He will also run for the London Assembly and could win a seat if he secures five per cent of the votes cast across the capital. He has been chosen to represent the Christian Party and will brand himself the “Christian choice”.
“Beneath the deceptively placid surface of everyday life, the British population is engaged in a momentous encounter with Islam. Three developments of the past week, each of them culminating years’ long trend – and not just some odd occurrence – exemplify changes now underway…. These developments suggest that British appeasement concerning the war on terror, the nature of the family, and the rule of law are part of a larger pattern. Even more than the security threat posed by Islamist violence, these trends are challenging and perhaps will change the very nature of Western life.”