Prevent programme has ‘alienated and stigmatised’

Government attempts to prevent violent extremism have alienated and stigmatised those it has tried to engage, MPs have claimed.

According to the latest report from the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, the Prevent programme has been tainted by its association with counter-terrorism.

The Government has also focused too much on funding ‘moderate’ Islamic groups in a bid to prevent radicalisation, when evidence suggests issues like foreign policy and deprivation are also important.

Select committee chair Phyllis Starkey said: ‘Many witnesses made plain they believe Prevent has been used to ‘spy’ on Muslim communities. The misuse of terms such as ‘intelligence gathering’ amongst Prevent partners has clearly discredited the programme and fed distrust.’

However, the report calls into question whether local authorities have the skills and confidence to help in the fight against extremism and have been left with too much responsibility over project funding.

NLGN deputy director, Anna Turley – who gave evidence to the select committee – said: ‘Many local authorities are keen to embrace this agenda and are the right people to take on this role in supporting communities, being at the heart of building safe, secure and cohesive communities. The problem is that they have not always felt they have the guidance, shared-intelligence and tools needed to enable them to fulfil their obligations to the best of their ability.’

To improve Prevent, the Government must:

• apply a more clearly risk based approach to tackling extremism
• update strategies to reflect research on radicalisation - revisit recommendations for a central ‘Rebuttal Unit’
• strengthen informational sharing between local partners
• provide more training and support for frontline workers
• make funding available to encourage democratic participation
• recognise the long-term value of cohesion on counter-terrorism
  

Click here to read Preventing Violent Extremism