Episode #017 – Mary Harper – Three Decades on the Frontlines of Extremism in Africa

Mary Harper is a journalist, author, and expert on the Horn of Africa. Mary was until recently the BBC’s Africa Editor. She now works with the United Nations and continues to report on Africa. Mary has reported extensively on the Somali Islamist movement, Al Shabaab, and other insurgent groups on the continent. She is the author of the books Getting Somalia Wrong: Faith, War and Hope in a Shattered State and Everything You have Told Me is True: The Many Faces of Al Shabaab.

In this episode, we explore what life is like under Al Shabaab in Somalia, how terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts have evolved throughout Africa, and what this all means for the UK.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #016 – Superintendent Amanda King – Insights from the Head of NaCTSO

Please note, this episode was recorded on the 12th of December 2024, prior to Vehicle as a Weapon attacks conducted in Germany and New Orleans, US.

Superintendent Amanda King leads the UK’s National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) – a team of experts developing and sharing protective security advice as well as working directly with individuals, organisations and communities needing practical guidance and support to keep people safe. Drawing on her time in two different Forces, Amanda’s experience in protective security includes leading the London Counter Terrorism Security Advisers and working as a CT Security Coordinator; roles that saw her at the centre of both Operations London Bridge and Golden Orb – the funeral of the late Queen and the Coronation of King Charles. Her early career led her into intelligence before moving into counter terrorism and protective security. She is a passionate advocate for greater inclusivity in policing and the security profession and is proud to be a mentor for the next generation of talent.

In this episode, we explore Amanda’s distinguished 30-year career in the policing and counterterrorism space, her current role as the head of NaCTSO, as well as the incredible work they currently carry out. We also explore Amanda’s insights into how the policing and security industry has changed during her career, and the importance of diversity in these industries.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #015 - Sohail Ahmed - A Former Extremist's Story

Sohail Ahmed is a former Islamist who was radicalised as a child. In his late teens he considered engaging in an act of violence in London. He subsequently underwent an intellectual journey which culminated in his self-deradicalisation. Sohail now works in the counter-extremism space and advocates for Islamic reform. He has appeared on multiple media outlets and has had his testimony presented in parliament.

In this episode, we speak to Sohail about his radicalisation journey, from his upbringing in East London to the point at which he considered carrying out a terrorist attack in the very same city. We also explore how Sohail went on to deradicalize, and his own thoughts on the current state of Islamist terrorism and extremism in the UK.

Listeners may find some language and themes discussed in this episode upsetting.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #014 – The Current State of Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism

This month, Threat Analysts Lucy Hagger and Oliver Hair sit down to discuss their latest research into the current state of Extreme Right-Wing terrorism in the UK. Lucy and Oliver explore a range of topics including how to define Extreme Right-Wing terrorism, the role of the internet in spreading Extreme Right-Wing ideology, as well as the prevalence of Extreme Right-Wing ideology in counter-terrorism investigations related to young adults and children.

Lucy is also joined by Dr. Jessica White, the Acting Director of Conflict and Terrorism Studies at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). As well as providing expert commentary for Pool Re’s latest deep dive report, RUSI have helped Pool Re review their findings and enhance the final analysis.

The full report can be found here: [Report] The Current State of Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism - Pool Reinsurance

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #013 - Jonathan Hall KC - Insights from the UK's Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation

Jonathan Hall KC (@terrorwatchdog) is a practising barrister and was appointed Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation in 2019, and of State Threat Legislation in 2024 after the coming into force of the National Security Act 2023. Jonathan’s annual reports, papers, and speeches are all available online.

In this episode, we speak to Jonathan about what it means to be the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, the evolving nature of terrorism threat in the UK, as well as Jonathan’s own thoughts on the role of the internet in facilitating terrorism and extremism-related activity in the UK.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #012 – Andrew Donaldson - The Shard and mitigating terrorism threat in the UK

Andrew Donaldson is Head of Security for Real Estate Management (UK) Ltd, responsible for security policy, strategy, and crisis management at some of London’s most iconic buildings, including The Shard. Andrew is a Chartered Security Professional, Fellow of the Security Institute, and Co-Chair of their Counter Terrorism and Insider Risk Special Interest Groups. He holds a Master’s degree in International Security and Risk Management, having completed his dissertation concerning the emergence and evolution of al Qa’ida and its impact on protective security. Andrew sits on several project boards and working groups advising on, and supporting, government security matters.

In this episode, we’ll explore Andy’s distinguished career in international counter terrorism with Counter Terrorism Policing and the Ministry of Defence, his top tips for mitigating terrorism threat, as well as his role within the Security Institute as a Chartered Security Professional.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #011 – Joe Whittaker – The incel subculture: An emerging threat?

Joe Whittaker is a senior lecturer in Criminology, Sociology, and Social Policy at Swansea University and is affiliated with the Cyber Threats Research Centre in Swansea. Joe’s doctoral research was a behavioural study of Islamic State actors in America 2012-2018, conducted jointly with Swansea University and Leiden University. Joe also researches the incel subculture, online counter-narratives, and how online recommendation systems interact with extremist content.

In this episode, we explore Joe’s recent research into the incel subculture for the Commission for Countering Extremism. Short for involuntary celibate, incels can broadly be defined as a group of people who are unable to find sexual partners, despite wanting them, and a small subsection of which believe violence to be justified.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.

Episode #010 – Don Randall MBE – Lessons learnt from a lifetime in counter terrorism.

Don Randall served with the City of London Police from 1969-1995, with specific emphasis on fraud and counter terrorism. Following 13 years at JPMorgan Chase as Managing Director, he joined the Bank of England in 2008 and was appointed the Bank’s first Chief Information Security Officer in 2013.

In 2007, Don was awarded an MBE for services to law enforcement for the harmonisation of the public/private sectors. Don plays a key role within ‘Sister Banks’, City of London Crime Prevention Association, ‘Project Griffin’, the City of London Crime Disorder Reduction Panel, London First Security Advisory Board, London Resilience Board, the London Resilience Business Sector Panel and is a Co-founder and Vice Chairman of the Cross Sector Safety & Security Communications initiative.

For regular insightful terrorism threat and risk information, as well as other Pool Re updates, please sign up to receive our emails at https://www.poolre.co.uk/signup/.

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please subscribe on your streaming app of choice, and share so we can help build a better understanding of the terrorism threat to the UK.

Disclaimer: The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Pool Re employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Pool Re.