The Prime Minister acknowledged the failures of the Prevent counter-extremism programme in the wake of the Southport murders. He stated that the government had previously prioritised securing justice for the victims and their families, fearing that scrutiny of the Prevent programme could jeopardise the ongoing trial.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Axel Rudakubana had been referred to the Prevent programme on three separate occasions, yet each time, authorities deemed him not to meet the threshold for intervention. He acknowledged that these decisions were clearly wrong and ultimately failed to protect the public.
In December 2024 the government unveiled a multi-pronged approach to counter the evolving threat of extremism, with a particular emphasis on addressing the growing concern of youth radicalisation. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities and safeguard national security in the face of increasingly complex challenges.
Key components of this initiative include:
- Resource Allocation: Substantial funding increases have been allocated to Counter-Terrorism Policing and intelligence agencies, recognising the need for adequate resources to effectively combat the evolving threat landscape.
- Youth-Focused Intervention: The introduction of Youth Diversion Orders marks a significant step towards early intervention with young people at risk of radicalisation. These orders will empower authorities to implement tailored support programmes and impose necessary restrictions, aiming to divert individuals away from extremist ideologies.
- Strengthening the Prevent Programme: The government has committed to a thorough review of the Prevent programme, including an analysis of its thresholds and interventions. This review aims to ensure the programme effectively addresses the full spectrum of threats, including cases where ideological drivers may be less clearly defined.
- Independent Oversight: The establishment of an Independent Commissioner of Prevent will provide crucial oversight and independent evaluation of the programme’s effectiveness. This role will play a vital part in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring the programme remains responsive to the evolving nature of extremism.
- Combating Online Radicalisation: The government will leverage the provisions of the Online Safety Act to strengthen efforts against online radicalisation. This includes measures to protect young people from exposure to harmful extremist content and disrupt the online platforms used by extremist groups.
The government acknowledges the dynamic nature of terrorist threats, recognising the increasing involvement of young people and the significant role of online platforms in the radicalisation process. This comprehensive strategy reflects the government’s commitment to proactively address these challenges and safeguard the nation from the evolving threat of extremism.
You can read the statement here: Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament
