British prosecutors announced terrorism charges Friday against a 28-year-old man who was already being held in connection with the alleged killing of conservative politician Ann Widdecombe.
The Crown Prosecution Service charged Joshua Kerry, of South Yorkshire, with preparing terrorist acts. Authorities allege he engaged in conduct intended to facilitate terrorism, including potential acts targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP.
Kerry has remained in custody since late July, when he was arrested and accused of murdering Widdecombe, a former Reform UK and Conservative politician.
According to prosecutors, Widdecombe was having lunch at her home in Devon on July 8 when Kerry allegedly entered through the front door. Investigators say he struck her in the head 21 times with a hammer, took her wallet and left, with the attack lasting approximately two minutes.
Former British member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe was killed at her Devon home on July 8. (John Sibley/Reuters, File)
Officials said the terrorism allegations concern a period stretching from May 31 through 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 country. She described the case as the result of “tireless work” and said investigators had pursued multiple lines of inquiry.
U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, posting on X, called the new charges against Kerry “extremely concerning” and sent her “profound sympathies” to the Farage family. She added 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.”
A U.K. man is accused of taking steps to prepare terrorist acts, including possible action against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP. (Martin Pope/Getty Images, File)
The Jo Cox Foundation, set up in honor of the Labour MP who was murdered in 2016, said in a statement, “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.
In a separate announcement Friday, Counterterrorism Policing revealed charges against two Iranian men accused of plotting an attack against the Jewish community in the Manchester area.
The Crown Prosecution Service charged Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 with preparing terrorist acts. Prosecutors allege the pair communicated with an overseas third party who may be located in Iran in connection with the alleged plot.
A prison van arrives at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on July 21, where Joshua Kerry was due to appear in connection with the murder charge involving MP Ann Widdecombe. (Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
Evans described the charges as “extremely serious,” but said authorities do not believe the public faces an ongoing threat related to the investigation.
She said the alleged Manchester plot occurred during the High Holy Day period, coinciding with the anniversary of last year’s devastating terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue. The case also comes amid a broader rise in reported 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.