Preventing radicalisation

The Prevent Strategy has three key 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; and
3. Work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation which we need to address.

It is set up to challenge all forms of terrorism, including the influence of far-right and far-left extremists. It defines 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”. 

Prevent operates in a pre-criminal space, providing support and re-direction to vulnerable individuals at risk of being groomed into terrorist activities before any crimes are committed. Radicalisation could be comparable to other forms of harm and abuse. It is therefore considered as a safeguarding issue and thought of alongside the wider safeguarding agenda.