The British government’s newly unveiled anti-terrorism strategy calls on teachers to identify and inform on extremist students.
Home Secretary Theresa May has specifically targeted universities, colleges and prisons, claiming the government will work to root out anyone in authority with extremist tendencies, while also urging staff to be trained to “recognise the signs of radicalisation”.
The government new policy, tabled in parliament last night, focuses on 25 areas in England identified as hotbeds for terrorism, encompassing Birmingham, Leicester, Luton, Manchester, Leeds and some London boroughs.
May said: “Prevent aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.It will challenge extremist ideology, help protect institutions from extremists and tackle the radicalisation of the vulnerable.
“We will not fund or work with organisations that do not subscribe to the core values of our society.
“Above all, Prevent will tackle the threat from home-grown terrorism.”
Mrs May also said there would be a crackdown on Muslim hate preachers and extremist websites.
In the Commons she said a terrorist attack on Britain was still “highly likely” and an overhaul of Labour’s “failed” policies was needed.
But Labour accused her of political “point-scoring”. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said there was a gap between Mrs May’s rhetoric and the reality of the Government’s policy on terrorism.”
