Responding to the sentencing of nine men at Woolwich Crown Court, South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Jukes said :
“The sentences handed down today demonstrate that terrorism is not a remote issue. In Wales we have been working resolutely to counter terrorism for several years and this work will continue with vigour.
“This was a lengthy and detailed investigation led by West Midlands Counter Terrorism unit and South Wales Police officers and staff worked closely with them over many months to ensure those involved were brought to justice.
“But we are only too aware that our efforts do not end here with today’s sentence.
“The Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit and South Wales Police will continue to work with local communities to tackle any individuals or groups that engage in terrorism or extremism or promote terrorist ideologies. They have no place within Cardiff or South Wales.
“We recognise that this trial may have raised very real concerns in Cardiff and other areas. We know that the problem of extremism and radicalisation is an issue that concerns everyone in today’s world.
“It is a problem that will not be solved by police activity alone but by communities working together.
“South Wales Police is proud to have strong links with our communities, not just in Cardiff but across our force area and also the long standing support of Cardiff’s Muslim communities. Trust and cooperation is vital to make sure we all tackle radicalisation and extremism together and ensure all our communities have confidence in us and feel safe.
“The communities of Cardiff are determined to live together peacefully and violent extremism will not be tolerated.
“The tremendous support we have received for this prosecution and last month’s actions in Cardiff reflect that determination.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Osborne, Senior National Co-ordinator Counter Terrorism said :
“This was one of the most significant and complex counter terrorism operations of recent years.
“We had a network of highly dangerous men based in three cities who were working together to plan terrorist attacks in the UK.
“Had we not taken action to disrupt this network, their actions could have resulted in serious casualties or fatalities.
“Given the level of threat we faced a large scale covert operation was started to put these men under surveillance.
“At the height of the investigation over the Christmas period of 2010 nearly 1,000 police officers and staff were involved nationally, all showing an extraordinary level of commitment.
“Officers from the national CT network worked alongside colleagues from the Metropolitan, Staffordshire and South Wales Police forces and the Security Service.
“These men were arrested when the balance between public safety and gathering evidence meant that we could not run the operation longer.
“This plot clearly demonstrates that there are still people living in our communities who are intent on doing us harm and the public must remain vigilant and aware.”
