The Counter Extremism Group provides practical counter-extremism policy solutions to decision makers.

London
Joined February 2020
What a wonderful way to finish the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 - with a visit to @10DowningStreet. Thank you to all of the exceptional speakers and our outstanding fellows. It was a week full of engaging discussion and a wide range of expert perspectives.
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The final day of the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship included captivating seminars, workshops and lectures with Munira Mirza, @manwarali, Emily Dyer, Baroness Falkner and Michael Stewart.
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Last night we had the honour of celebrating this year's Young Leaders in National Security Fellows at the @UKHouseofLords with Lord Carlile and Lord Blunkett.
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Day 4 of the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship has seen lively debates with speakers including Jonathan Hall KC, @RobinSimcox, Sir William Shawcross, @ACCJacques and Poppy Coburn.
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Last night we were honoured to host an enthralling conversation between Baroness Manningham-Buller and Lord Carlile as part of the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship.
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Day 3 of the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship was a fantastic day with sessions from speakers including Scott Storrie, @SirDavidOmand, Baroness Manningham-Buller and @WillBaldet . It was a joy to catch up with many of the Fellowship alumni at lunch.
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Day 2 of the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship included a visit to the @FCDOGovUK , a discussion about how press and public opinion drive our response to terrorism and extremism with @mragilligan, @Fhamiltontimes and @SabriSun_Miller, a lively debate with Lord Blunkett, an insightful conversation @KasraAarabi and an eye-opening seminar with Dr Laura Gilbert. @statsArePower
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The Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026 started with a fantastic first day. Thought-provoking speakers included Lord Carlile, Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan, Imran Fazal and Dr Craig McCann. Throughout the fellowship, participants hear from an exceptional array of speakers. They have the privilege of learning under the patronage of Lord Carlile of Berriew CBE KC and Baroness Manningham-Buller LG DCB, whose leadership and experience continue to inspire the next generation of national security professionals.
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We are delighted to announce Baroness Manningham-Buller as Co-Chair of our 2026 Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship Eliza Manningham-Buller taught for three years before joining the Security Service (MI5) in 1974. During her 33-year career she was part of the team that uncovered the colleague who offered to work for the Soviet Union, led the Service’s investigation of the Lockerbie bombing and was the senior liaison officer to the US intelligence community in Washington. On her return to London, she established a new section to assume from the Metropolitan Police responsibility for intelligence in Irish republican terrorism in mainland GB. At Board level she was responsible in turn for technical operations and surveillance, Irish terrorism, IT and finance. She became Deputy Director-General, in charge of operations in 1997. From 2002-7, she was Director-General during which time the Service almost doubled in size in response to the threat from Islamist terrorism. In 2008, she joined both the Lords, as a crossbench peer, and the board of the Wellcome Trust. In 2009, she became a member of the Council of Imperial College and was appointed chair, 2011 – 2015. From 2015 – 2021, she was chair of the Wellcome Trust. In the Lords, she has twice served on both the Science and Technology Committee and as chair of the committee dealing with the Lords’ conduct. She was a co-president of Chatham House for a decade and is a member of two Royal Society Boards. She gave the Reith Lectures in 2011 and was appointed by the King as Chancellor of the Order of the Garter in 2024
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This week, a select group of our alumni had the opportunity to visit the Counter Terrorism Operations Centre (CTOC), gaining a rare and valuable look into the critical work of the National Security Legal Team. The visit offered insights into how the legal frameworks protect national security while upholding the rule of law. Speaking directly with the experts who navigate these complex challenges was both inspiring and deeply thought-provoking. We are extremely grateful to the legal team for sharing their time and expertise, and for their enduring commitment to inspiring the next generation of young leaders in national security.
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CEG is saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Alex Younger, former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service. Sir Alex was one of our finest public servants. He combined a fierce intellect with an unassuming air & charm. Sir Alex's storied career & unrelenting dedication to keeping our country safe will be much discussed in the days ahead - as it should be. However his generosity in sharing his time and his wisdom with the next generation may be less well understood. Sir Alex instinctively recognised the need to convey to young people the litany of threats we face. He understood these threats clearly & explained them masterfully as the inaugural patron of our Young Leaders programme. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
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Huge thanks to everyone who joined our National Security Fellowship Alumni event last night! Author Jason Burke & @RobinSimcox discussed 'The Revolutionists' 1970s extremist groups & tactics. 2026 Fellowship applications close 5 June: counterextremism.org.uk/prog…
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“The range & quality of speakers is unmatched – the opportunity to discuss the contemporary terrorism landscape with them is invaluable.” 2026 Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship open for applications⏳ Deadline: 05.06.26 Apply: lnkd.in/ediV5sV4Please RT & share🔄
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Applications are open for the Young Leaders in National Security Fellowship 2026. Speakers range from former leaders in the intelligence agencies, senior figures in counter-terrorism policing, government officials, special advisers and diplomats, to leading journalists.
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“The access given to some of the most influential voices in the counter extremism space is something I have never experienced before.” Applications are open: counterextremism.org.uk/prog…
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