The police and security services will get sweeping new powers and nearly 2,000 more agents in radical plans to beef up the UK's war on terror.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid marked the first anniversary of the London Bridge attack by promising a step change in the nation's counter-terrorism strategy to meet new challenges from extremists.

But last night the Government was warned that failure to give armed police officers better protection under law when they have to open fire was 'hindering' a key part of the anti-terrorism battle.

Police representatives also protested that there were still fewer armed officers than ten years ago – despite Government pledges to boost recruitment.

The police and security services will get sweeping new powers and nearly 2,000 more agents in radical plans to beef up the UK's war on terror

The new anti-terrorism measures, to be formally unveiled tomorrow, come in the wake of last year's attacks at Westminster, the Manchester Arena, Finsbury Park, London Bridge and Parsons Green tube.

Mr Javid paid tribute to victims of that 'shocking' London Bridge attack by vowing that tackling the terrorist threat was his 'first priority'.

The revised counter-terrorism 'Contest' strategy includes:

lTough new powers for MI5 and police to nip terrorism plots in the bud by arresting suspects at an early stage.

lA new Counter-Terrorism Bill to allow judges to hand down longer jail sentences for terrorists.

lUp to 1,900 new agents for MI5, MI6 and GCHQ to help keep far more suspects under surveillance.

Government sources say the new tactics are designed to meet the threat of Islamist terrorism – including extremists returning from Syria – and also the 'growing' danger of extreme Right-wing groups.

Mr Javid, who is due to attend a memorial service at Southwark Cathedral for the London Bridge victims later today, said the Government was working to put the 'best plans in place' to fight extremists.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid marked the first anniversary of the London Bridge attack by promising a step change in the nation's counter-terrorism strategy to meet new challenges from extremists

But he added: 'Ultimately, the strongest response is not just what we do but who we are. The best way to stop terrorists achieving their aims is to stand by our values of tolerance, fairness and go about our lives.'

But last night, there were claims the Government was dragging its feet on changing the law to spare armed police from over-long investigations if they have to open fire.

Former Met Police Commissioner Lord Hogan-Howe called on Ministers to complete a review of regulations governing armed police officers, launched in 2015 but which has still not reported.

Writing in Westminster's The House magazine, he insisted there was no evidence of armed police being 'trigger-happy' and said: 'The police do not expect immunity from accountability, investigation or prosecution. But the law should give them some comfort that they will be given the benefit of the doubt when making split-second decisions.'

Police Federation vice-chairman Che Donald warned the lack of clarity for armed police officers was 'hindering' the fight against terrorism.

Asked about why it has taken more than two years to complete the review, he said: 'The suspicion on my side is that it has been held back because it supports our assertion that there is no adequate protection for firearm officers and that would have deterred recruitment.'

A Home Office spokesman said the review was 'ongoing', adding that firearms officers did a 'vital and uniquely challenging job' but use of force had to be 'proportionate'.