Former head of police anti-terror network knighted

A former senior police officer who led the response to last year's terror attacks has been given a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Mark Rowley was the Metropolitan Police's Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations and national lead for counter-terrorism from June 2014 until his retirement from policing in March.

Sir Mark headed up the police effort to tackle violent extremism during a period when the threat escalated to its current level, which is seen as unprecedented.

In his final year in the role, he oversaw the law enforcement response as Britain was hit by five attacks in less than six months.

In addition to the incidents that occurred, counter-terror agencies say they have stopped 12 Islamist and four extreme right-wing plots since March 2017.

Sir Mark, who is knighted for services to policing, began his 31-year career as a constable with West Midlands Police.

Prior to joining Scotland Yard in 2011, he was Chief Constable of Surrey Police.

Also honoured is former terror laws watchdog David Anderson QC, who is awarded a knighthood for services to national security and to civil liberties.

The barrister was independent reviewer of terrorism legislation from 2011 to 2017, publishing a number of reports including a landmark review of the investigatory powers used by the UK's intelligence services.

Last year, Sir David was asked by the Government to carry out an independent assessment of MI5 and police reviews launched following the Westminster, Manchester, London Bridge and Finsbury Park attacks.