British prosecutors on Friday brought terrorism charges against a 28-year-old man who was already in custody over the alleged killing of a conservative politician.
The Crown Prosecution Service charged Joshua Kerry, of South Yorkshire, with one count of preparing terrorist acts. Prosecutors allege he was “engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against [Reform UK leader] Nigel Farage MP.”
Kerry has been held in custody since late July, when he was arrested and accused of murdering former Reform UK and Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe.
Prosecutors allege that Widdecombe was having lunch at her home in Devon on July 8 when Kerry entered through the front door. He allegedly struck her 21 times on the head with a hammer, took her wallet and left. The attack, authorities say, lasted about two minutes.
Former British member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe was killed in her Devon home July 8. (John Sibley/Reuters, File)
The latest terrorism allegations relate to events that prosecutors say occurred between May 31 and July 8.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counterterrorism Policing, said the charge followed an extensive investigation involving detectives, analysts and forensic specialists from across the counterterrorism network. “The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators,” Evans said, adding that the inquiry had pursued “multiple lines of inquiry” and led to the “very serious charge.”
U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the new allegations against Kerry as “extremely concerning” in a post on X and expressed her “profound sympathies” to the Farage family. She said an attack on anyone involved in politics “is an attack on us all” and warned that the case raised serious concerns about the safety of people in public life.
A U.K. man is accused of “engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against [Reform UK leader] Nigel Farage MP.” (Martin Pope/Getty Images, File)
The Jo Cox Foundation, established in memory of the Labour MP murdered in 2016, said no one in public life should have to fear for their safety. Violence, abuse and intimidation put individuals and their families at risk, the foundation said, while also threatening democracy. It called for stronger action to address rising abuse and intimidation in British politics.
Kerry is scheduled to return to Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
In a separate development on Friday, Counterterrorism Policing announced charges against two Iranian men accused of plotting to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area.
The Crown Prosecution Service charged 36-year-old Salam Ahmadyan and 34-year-old Rahman Salehi with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. Authorities allege the pair were in contact with an overseas third party who may be based in Iran in connection with the alleged plot.
A prison van arrives at Westminster Magistrates’ Court July 21 in London, where Joshua Kerry was due to appear charged with the murder of MP Ann Widdecombe. (Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
Evans described the allegations as “extremely serious” but said authorities did not believe there was any continuing threat to the public connected with the case.
She said the alleged plot occurred during the High Holy Day period, coinciding with the anniversary of last year’s devastating terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue. Evans also placed the case within a broader rise in antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom.
Ahmadyan and Salehi have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
