Well, one thing’s very clear, that terrorism isn’t just a threat which is external to Western countries. It’s not simply a foreign menace that comes from overseas to strike our cities. It can and it does, as we now know, come from within our own countries and from inside our own populations.

In today’s complex world, terrorism poses a multifaceted threat that extends beyond international borders into the heart of Western societies. The speaker emphasizes that security challenges are no longer solely an external issue stemming from foreign adversaries; rather, they now include threats originating internally within these countries and coming from their own populations.

The quote underscores a critical shift in our understanding of security risks. Traditionally, terrorism was viewed as an outside threat posed by external enemies with clear geographical origins. However, recent events have demonstrated that such threats can also arise from within the very societies they seek to harm. This realization calls for a reevaluation of domestic security measures and emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to counterterrorism that addresses both internal and external risks.

Pauline Neville-Jones is a distinguished British politician with extensive experience in national security matters. She has held various influential positions, including serving as a Member of Parliament and chairing the Intelligence and Security Committee. Her expertise in these areas lends significant credibility to her insights on the evolving nature of terrorism threats within Western nations.