The decision not to classify Axel Rudakubana as a terrorist following the Southport murders was deemed correct by the UK’s terror watchdog, who argued that expanding the definition of terrorism would be counterproductive. In his review of extreme violence classification, Jonathan Hall KC concluded that the term ‘terrorism’ should only refer to violence aimed at advancing a specific cause, rather than serving as a label for severe criminal behavior. Hall warned that broadening the definition could lead to misuse and abuse, and have unintended consequences, such as hindering freedom of expression and straining resources. Despite Radowcubana having been identified as a risk by the Prevent counter-terrorism program, he was not monitored and went on to murder three girls and attempt to kill ten others at a dance class, due to a lack of evidence of extremity ideology. The review was commissioned in January by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to assess terror legislation in light of modern threats.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/13/decision-not-to-classify-southport-killer-as-a-terrorist-was-right-says-uk-watchdog