Mark Conrad 28 March 2023

Councils warning over Prevent reforms

Councils warning over Prevent reforms image
Image: M-SUR/Shutterstock.com.

Councils have raised serious concerns about the Government’s proposed Prevent counter-extremism strategy reforms, warning Muslim communities could disengage and local authorities risk fresh costs.

The Local Government Association’s (LGA) safer and stronger communities board last week outlined council responses to the recent independent review of Prevent by William Shawcross.

Mr Shawcross made 34 proposals – all accepted by ministers – including increasing the focus on counter-terrorism over wider extremism and on individuals ‘susceptible’ to radicalisation.

He also urged ministers to focus on ideology as a driver for terrorism and less on other contributing factors, such as mental health.

Ex-communities minister Baroness Warsi - Britain’s first female Muslim Cabinet minister - has already attacked the Government’s proposed reform of Prevent, warning Whitehall risks creating a ‘hierarchy of extremism,’ with a distorted focus on Islamist extremism above all others.

Local authorities have told the LGA they have heard ‘considerable concerns from Muslim communities that they have been unfairly targeted’.

The LGA warned: ‘Some previously cooperative groups may no longer be willing to engage with councils around Prevent.’

Ministers are expected to implement their Prevent reforms this year.

This article was originally published by The MJ (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highways Capital Lead

South Wales Trunk Road Agent
£47,754 - £50,788
To be responsible for management of the Regional Highway Capital Delivery Teams South Wales
Recuriter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Development Management Engineer

Coventry City Council
£37,938 - £44,711
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recuriter: Coventry City Council

SEN Locality Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a positive approach to work and enjoy the challenge of a busy role? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Occupational Therapist (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8 - Grade 9
We are expanding our Occupational Therapy service which support adults to maximise their potential within their homes and communities. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - St Francis' Primary

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - St Francis' PrimaryPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner