Man charged with offence under the National Security Act

A man has been charged as part of a proactive Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into suspected offences under the National Security Act.

Howard Michael Phillips, 64 (29.08.59) of Harlow was charged on Thursday, 23 May with an offence contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act.

The country to which the charge relates is Russia.

He has been remanded in police custody and it is anticipated that he will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later this afternoon.

On Thursday, 16 May, a 64-year-old man was arrested in central London. He was arrested and detained under section 27 of the National Security Act (NSA), 2023.

A warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates' Court meaning he could be detained up until Thursday, 23 May, and following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the CPS authorised the charge as above.

As part of the investigation, which is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, officers also searched an address in the Hertfordshire area and an address in the Essex area. Both searches are now complete.

The arrest is not connected to any other recent charges or investigations linked to NSA offences, and there is not believed to be any threat to the wider public in connection with this matter.