Prevent

The UK faces a continuous threat of terrorism. One of the effective ways to reduce the threat of terrorism is to reduce the number of potential terrorists or those who support any extremist ideology. The UK Government includes all form of extremist ideologies including; “Islamist extremists” and “White Supremacist.”

There are some vulnerable children who might be at greater risk of getting involved in extremist activity.

Here is what the research tells us about who is particularly vulnerable;

1. Most terrorists are clinically normal, although acts are considered amoral
2. There are many paths to terrorism and there is no single profile of a terrorist
3. Radicalisation is usually a phrased process and gradual
4. Poverty alone does not cause radicalisation
5. Grievances play a role but often more as a mobilisation device than as a personal experience
6. Social networks/environments are crucial in drawing vulnerable youths to a terrorist movement
7. Ideology often plays an important role in that it can provide the true believer with a ‘license to kill’
8. Disengagement from terrorism often occurs without de-radicalisation

The above list was taken from Schmid (2013) Radicalisation, De-Radicalisation, Counter-Radicalisation: A Conceptual Discussion and Literature Review, The International Centre for Counter-terrorism.

Key Terms

We have used a number of terms on this webpage. Below are the definitions.

Extremism:

The UK Government has defined extremism as: “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces”.

Radicalisation:

The UK Government defines radicalisation as"the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.”

What is the Prevent Strategy?

The UK Government Prevent strategy aims to reduce the threat of terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The Prevent Strategy (2011) has three strategic objectives:

1. Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it
2. Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support
3. Work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to address

For the full guidance on prevent strategy please follow https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance/revised-prevent-duty-guidance-for-england-and-wales

Training

The UK Government offers e-learning around the prevent strategy.

https://www.elearning.prevent.homeoffice.gov.uk/edu/screen1.html

Prevent in Tameside

Tameside local authority has a page dedicated to prevent extremism. The website includes, what to do if you are worried if a child is being radicalised or if want to make a referral to prevent.

https://www.tameside.gov.uk/extremism