The government's £60m "preventing violent extremism" programme is to be dismantled after a widespread loss of confidence in it within Muslim communities, it was confirmed today. The Home Office said there would be a clear separation in future between counter-terrorism work on individuals directly at risk of becoming radicalised and more general work to combat social exclusion in Muslim communities. Official tours of the country by Muslim scholars to challenge al-Qaida-inspired ideology are also likely to end. The credibility of the Prevent programme was damaged by a widespread belief in communities that it was being used to gather intelligence on potential terror suspects.
Theresa Gummidge
The Home Office disclosed the decision as part of its structural reform plan, which was published as Theresa May, the home secretary, outlined to MPs the scope of the "urgent" review of counter-terrorism and security powers. These are to be carried out this summer in time for changes to be included in the coalition's freedom bill this autumn [the what?!].
May told MPs that the review will look at six powers: control orders, the use of section 44 stop and search powers - especially their use against photographers - local authority surveillance powers, pre-charge detention, measures to deal with organisations that promote hatred, and the deportation of international terrorist suspects. "These are the most controversial and sensitive powers," said May. She added that the review would also look at safeguards in the asset-freezing regime for terrorist suspects, which has been the subject of repeated human rights rulings.
The counter-terrorism review will not, however, cover the use of intercept evidence in court or new powers to track everybody's internet and phone use. Work will continue separately on these. The decision to dismantle the Prevent programme means it will not form part of the review.
May said she wanted to make sure that she was not criticising the police or security services, but trying to put right Labour failures and restore ancient liberties. Shami Chakrabarti, of Liberty, said her organisation welcomed "this once in a generation opportunity to reform counterterror measures and bring them within the rule of law. We intend to do everything within our power to ensure that the government does not waste it."
