UK Man Accused of Plotting Terror Acts Against Nigel Farage Also Charged in Politician's Murder

British prosecutors have charged Joshua Kerry, 28, with preparing acts of terrorism, including allegations of targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The charges were announced Friday by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Kerry has been in custody since late July after being arrested and accused of murdering former Reform UK and Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe. Prosecutors allege that between May 31 and July 8, Kerry engaged in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts. 

Ann Widdecombe was allegedly attacked in her Devon home on July 8. Authorities state that Kerry entered the residence, assaulted Widdecombe with a hammer, stole her wallet, and fled the scene in an incident that lasted approximately two minutes.

Senior National Coordinator for Counterterrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, stated that the charge is the result of extensive investigation by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the charges as "extremely concerning" and emphasized that "an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all." She added that the case raises "serious questions about the security of those in public life."

The Jo Cox Foundation, an organization established in memory of a Labour MP murdered in 2016, issued a statement saying that "no one in public life should have to fear for their safety." The foundation noted that violence, abuse, and intimidation threaten democracy and have no place in public life, calling for greater efforts to prevent rising levels of abuse and intimidation in politics.

Kerry is scheduled to appear next at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

In a separate development, Counterterrorism Policing also announced charges against two Iranian men, Salam Ahmadyan, 36, and Rahman Salehi, 34, who are accused of plotting to target the Jewish community in Manchester. They face charges of preparing for terrorist acts, with allegations that they were in contact with an overseas third party possibly located in Iran.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Evans called these charges "extremely serious" but reiterated that authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public in relation to this specific plot. The alleged plot coincides with the High Holy Day period and the anniversary of a previous terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue, within a broader context of increasing anti-Semitic incidents in the UK.

Ahmadyan and Salehi have been remanded and are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.