Nation's institutions step up effort to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism
Key bodies across the country are from today (Wednesday 1 July) legally required to take steps to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
The Prevent duty, introduced as part of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, requires a range of organisations including schools, local authorities, prisons, police and health bodies to have ‘due regard to preventing people from being drawn into terrorism’.
Security Minister John Hayes said:
We have seen all too starkly and tragically the dangers of radicalisation and the devastating impact it can have on individuals, families and communities.
The new Prevent duty is about protecting people from the poisonous and pernicious influence of extremist ideas that are used to legitimise terrorism.
Protecting those who are vulnerable and at risk of radicalisation is a job for all of us. The new duty will make sure key bodies across the country play their part and work in partnership, as part of our one nation approach to bring the country together to tackle extremism.
The government has worked with the sectors affected to ensure they are aware of their new responsibilities, are able to recognise the signs that someone may be being drawn into terrorism and know how to access help and support.
Frontline workers will now be expected to put into practice statutory guidance which was approved by Parliament and published in March, following a public consultation.
The duty will also cover universities and colleges and will be commenced for these institutions once further guidance on extremist speakers has been published.