Review Urges Quick Changes to Prevent Scheme for Online World After Failures in Southport Case

The Prevent scheme needs to adapt to the online world where radicalisation takes place, an independent review found. The programme faced scrutiny after recent terror incidents involving Axel Rudakubana and Ali Harbi Ali. Lord Anderson KC made 10 recommendations to improve Prevent, focusing on themes like online adaptation and dealing with those fascinated by violence.

Lord Anderson suggested exploring avenues to use online activity evidence effectively. Self-radicalised extremists' online behaviors are hard to detect, especially with the increasing young age of referrals. The report recommended embedding Prevent in a broader violence prevention strategy.

Prevent aims to stop terrorism support, rehabilitate individuals, and safeguard communities. Referrals lead to assessments to reduce radicalisation susceptibility. The report suggested connecting Prevent to a broader safeguarding system and exploring violence prevention strategies.

The review followed killings by Rudakubana and Ali. Rudakubana, referred to Prevent multiple times, was not deemed a terrorism risk before committing murders. Ali, a former Prevent case, stabbed MP Sir David Amess. Lessons must be learned from these failures, Lord Anderson said.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper promised to act on the report's findings, clarifying Prevent thresholds for frontline workers by September.

According to the source: Sky News.