Prevent

What is radicalisation?

Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.

Does the Prevent strategy target a particular community?

Prevent does not target a specific community, faith, or ethnic group. It radicalisation in all its forms, including extreme right-wing, mixed, unclear, or unstable ideologies, left-wing groups, and violent Islamist groups such as Daesh, and Al Qa’ida. The greatest threat we face in the UK comes from Islamist terrorist organisations followed by the growing influence of Right-Wing terrorism. This trend is reflected in our local profile, and our response reflects this trend.

Does Prevent encourage spying?

No. The Prevent duty does not allow, require, or authorise the council to carry out any undercover activity or spying on anyone in the community. Prevent is about ensuring that people know how to identify concerns and how to refer those who may be at risk of radicalisation for appropriate support.

It does mean that the local authority will share information with other organisations like the police, but only where it is appropriate to do so and in accordance with safeguarding practice and the law, for example, if we are aware of an issue that could threaten public safety.