Fears over 65 terrorists released from prison as MPs raise concerns over surveillance resources
A further 44 were held in custody on terror offences but were released into the community
SIXTY-FIVE terrorists have been freed from prison in the past two years, we can reveal.
Home Office figures show scores of convicted prisoners are now free as MPs raised concerns over resources available for surveillance.
A further 44 were held in custody on terror offences but were released into the community.
Eighteen were released in the past two years after being sentenced for four years or longer.
Crimes can include telling supporters to back al-Qaeda or ISIS.
It comes as the security services announced earlier this year there are 23,000 potential jihadis living in Britain.
The data, released this week, includes terrorists who were sentenced dating back to the 1970s.
But Plaid Cymri MP Liz Saville Roberts, who uncovered the figures, said: “The public need assurances that convicted terrorists released from prison and those returning from conflict zones are being properly monitored by the security services.”
Meanwhile, Labour MP Jack Dromey said: “The first duty of any government is the safety and security of its citizens.
“Britain is facing an unprecedented threat of terrorism which demands thousands of police officers to keep the public safe.”
A Government spokesperson said: “Public protection is our top priority and we want the most robust sentences for any terrorist crimes and for victims to have every opportunity to see justice delivered.
“Last year average sentences increased, with the most common sentence between four and ten years.
“Anyone convicted of terrorism offences are subject to strict controls on release and can be recalled to custody if they breach them.
“They are also managed through Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), risk assessed and monitored.”
