Should 'misogyny' be classed as terrorism? | LBC debate

As Axel Rudakubana is handed a minimum sentence of 52 years for the murder of three young girls, Rachel Johnson considers if a 'gender component' should be included in the definition of terrorism.

Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 52 years after pleading guilty to murdering three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July 2024.

The 18-year-old pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday. He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murders of eight children and two adults, producing a biological toxin, ricin, and the possession of an al-Qaeda training manual - a terror offence.

Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died following the attack at the Taylor Swift-themed class in The Hart Space on a small business park in the seaside town shortly before midday on July 29.

The defendant, who was 17 at the time of the killings, admitted their murders as well as the attempted murders of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Rudakubana could not be given a whole-life order because he was 17 at the time of the attack and the measures can normally only be imposed on criminals aged 21 or over. They are usually only considered for those aged 18 to 20 in exceptional circumstances.

The knife attack has not been treated as terrorism by police or prosecutors, and the judge said that he 'must accept' there was no evidence of terrorist cause.

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