Corbyn links terror to foreign policy

The Labour leader will call for a “smarter” approach to counter-terrorism as he links acts of terror carried out in this country to Britain’s foreign policy.

Mr Corbyn has previously faced criticism for appearing reluctant to criticise Irish Republican terrorism.

The speech by the Labour leader will mark the restart of the party’s national election campaign which was suspended in the aftermath of the suicide bombing in Manchester.

Mr Corbyn will promise a Labour government would “change what we do abroad”.

The Labour leader will say: “Many experts, including professionals in our intelligence and security services, have pointed to the connections between wars our government has supported or fought in other countries and terrorism here at home.

“That assessment in no way reduces the guilt of those who attack our children. Those terrorists will forever be reviled and held to account for their actions.

“But an informed understanding of the causes of terrorism is an essential part of an effective response that will protect the security of our people that fights rather than fuels terrorism.

“We must be brave enough to admit the ‘war on terror’ is simply not working. We need a smarter way to reduce the threat from countries that nurture terrorists and generate terrorism.”

Mr Corbyn will say that no government can prevent every terrorist attack but they must ensure the police have the resources they need and that British foreign policy “reduces rather than increases the threat to this country”.