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University of Birmingham research contributes to major national review of UK counter-terrorism law

Research by the University of Birmingham has informed the Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice

11 November 2025
Street scene in London

Research by the University of Birmingham has helped inform the Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice, whose final report launches today.

The Commission’s wide-ranging review draws on evidence from across academia, law, policing, civil society, and affected communities to make recommendations for the future of UK counter-terrorism policy.

Among the expert contributions was evidence from Dr Sara Fregonese, Associate Professor of Political Geography at the University of Birmingham, and Dr Paul Simpson, Associate Professor of Human Geography from the University of Plymouth. Their research, part of the international project Atmospheres of (Counter)Terrorism in European Cities, was cited in several sections of the report addressing public attitudes toward terrorism and counter-terrorism measures.

The ESRC/ORA-funded AtmoCT project surveyed 15,000 people across the UK, France and Germany to explore how citizens perceive terrorist threats and experience counter-terrorism measures in public spaces. The Commission drew on these findings to contextualise public opinion and inform its recommendations on how counter-terrorism law can remain effective, proportionate and publicly trusted.

Key findings from the project included:

  • Terrorism as one concern among many: Only 8 per cent of UK respondents identified terrorism as a top national issue, ranking it behind poverty, health, the environment, and employment.
  • A gap between perception and reality: Over 70 per cent of the UK public associate terrorism with bombs or explosions, even though most recent UK attacks involve bladed or blunt weapons. Research by AtmoCT, found that terrorism is closely associated with fatalities in the public understanding. The report cites this evidence in its call (p.65) for a more focused definition of terrorism to reflect this public understanding of terrorism, especially around aspects related to damage to property.
  • Differences across communities: Concern about terrorism varies across religious groups, with Jewish respondents reporting the highest levels of worry and Muslim respondents the lowest. Furthermore, research found noticeable differences in people’s experiences and considerations of counter-terrorism measures by gender, ethnicity, and age. Based on this evidence, the report calls for equality impact assessment in relation to the different impacts that counterterrorism measures have on people:
  • Mixed views on counter-terrorism measures: While most respondents see current measures as appropriate, opinions differ by age, gender and ethnicity – with older people generally favouring stronger enforcement and younger people more concerned about surveillance.

The Commission’s report draws on this and other evidence to call for regular reviews of counter-terrorism legislation, clearer public information about threats and security measures, and stronger engagement with communities most affected by counter-terrorism policies.

Professor Katherine Brown, Professor of Religion, Gender and Global Security at the University of Birmingham, also served as a member of the Commission. She contributed to several sections of the report and provided expert input to ensure a gender-sensitive approach throughout its findings and recommendations.

We were one of many research teams whose work the Commission considered, and we are pleased that our evidence helped highlight how counterterrorism is experienced by the public in everyday life. Understanding these perceptions is vital for ensuring security policies remain both effective and socially grounded.

Dr Sara Fregonese, Associate Professor of Political Geography at the University of Birmingham

Our findings show that while people broadly support counter-terrorism measures, they experience them in different ways depending on background and context. It’s encouraging to see this kind of social evidence being taken seriously at a national policy level.

Dr Paul Simpson, Associate Professor of Human Geography from the University of Plymouth

Based on a rigorous review of evidence over three years, we determined that trust, fairness, and the democratic principle of inclusion are vital for effective counter-terrorism. As a commissioner I was invested in ensuring that multiple voices and arguments were heard, especially those of women and religious minorities, and I directly contributed to our robust assessment of PREVENT and of the treatment of women and children with links to terrorism

Professor Katherine Brown, Professor of Religion, Gender and Global Security at the University of Birmingham

About Atmospheres of (Counter)Terrorism

Atmospheres of (Counter)Terrorism in European Cities (ESRC/ORA ES/V01353X/1) is a collaboration between the University of Birmingham, the University of Plymouth, CY Cergy Paris Université, and the University of Jena. The project combines large-scale survey data and qualitative research to examine how counter-terrorism policies shape urban space, mobility and social interaction.

For more information, visit www.atmoct.org or contact Dr Sara Fregonese at s.fregonese@bham.ac.uk.

Featured staff

  • Dr Sara Fregonese

    Associate Professor of Political Geography

    Dr Sara Fregonese,researches political and urban geography and the impact of geopolitics and security on urban life.

    Phone: +44 (0)121 414 3635
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  • Professor Katherine Brown

    Professor of Religion, Gender and Global Security

    Academic profile of Professor Katherine Brown, Professor of Religion, Gender and Global Security at the University of Birmingham

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