British prosecutors announced terrorism charges on Friday against a 28-year-old man who is currently in custody for the alleged murder of a conservative politician.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charged Joshua Kerry, from South Yorkshire, with one count of preparation of terrorist acts. The charges allege he was "engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against [Reform UK leader] Nigel Farage MP."
Kerry has been held by His Majesty's government since late July, following his arrest and accusation in the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former politician for both Reform UK and the Conservative Party.
According to prosecutors, Widdecombe was having lunch at her Devon residence on July 8 when Kerry allegedly entered her home, struck her 21 times in the head with a hammer, took her wallet, and departed. The entire alleged assault reportedly lasted only two minutes.
Authorities indicate that the recent terrorism charges against Kerry pertain to events that occurred between May 31 and July 8 of this year.
In a statement, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, who serves as the Senior National Coordinator for Counterterrorism Policing, said, "The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators across the Counterterrorism Policing network. This investigation has been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts and forensic experts, working on multiple lines of inquiry, which has resulted in this very serious charge."
U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented on the new charges against Kerry, describing them as "extremely concerning" in a post on X, and extended her "profound sympathies" to the Farage family. She further stated that "an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all. This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life."
The Jo Cox Foundation, established in memory of the Labour MP who was killed in 2016, issued a statement asserting, "No one in public life should have to fear for their safety. Violence, abuse and intimidation not only endangered individuals and their families, but threaten our democracy and have no place in public life. We must do more to prevent the rising levels of abuse and intimidation in politics."
Kerry is scheduled to appear again at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Separate Charges for Alleged Plot Against Jewish Community
In an unrelated development also on Friday, Counterterrorism Policing announced charges against two Iranian men accused of conspiring "to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area."
The Crown Prosecution Service charged Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, with "engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006." Prosecutors allege that the two men were "in contact with an overseas third-party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot."
Evans characterized these charges as "extremely serious" while also reiterating that "we do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter."
Evans highlighted that the alleged plot emerges during the High Holy Day period and "coincides with the anniversary of the devastating terrorist attack last year at Heaton Park synagogue and comes in a wider context of increasing antisemitic incidents across the U.K."
Ahmadyan and Salehi have been remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
