Good counter-terrorism is when you have close relationships between the policing and intelligence services.

Amber Rudd’s quote emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination between policing and intelligence services in the field of counter-terrorism. She suggests that effective counter-terrorism strategies are built on strong relationships between these two entities, as they each play a vital role in preventing and responding to potential threats. The success of counter-terrorism efforts depends on information sharing, joint operations, and mutual trust between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Rudd highlights that good counter-terrorism is not simply about having isolated agencies working independently, but about creating an integrated system where both policing and intelligence work together seamlessly. By fostering close working relationships, agencies can ensure that they are responding to potential threats in a comprehensive and effective manner. This collaboration allows for the rapid exchange of information, leading to more accurate assessments and quicker responses to emerging threats.

The origin of Rudd’s quote is rooted in her experience as a British politician, having served as the Home Secretary where she was responsible for national security and counter-terrorism. During her tenure, Rudd emphasized the need for comprehensive and unified approaches to national security, recognizing that countering terrorism requires both proactive intelligence gathering and responsive law enforcement measures.

Ultimately, the quote underscores Rudd’s belief in a unified approach to national security, where close partnerships between different agencies help to mitigate threats and keep communities safe. It reflects the growing recognition that effective counter-terrorism strategies require collaboration across multiple sectors, rather than working in silos.