Anti-terrorist programme Prevent ‘outdated and inadequately prepared’, report finds

The home affairs select committee said Prevent cannot deal with the modern challenges of fighting extremism

The government’s anti-terrorism programme, Prevent, is “outdated and inadequately prepared” to deal with modern challenges such as extremists adhering to no particular ideology, an influential cross-party group of MPs has concluded.

The home affairs select committee has called for a reset to the approach for dealing with fast-evolving online subcultures promoting antisemitism, anti-Muslim hostility, misogyny and violence, as well as an over-representation of neurodiverse people and those with mental health conditions.

A growing prevalence of under-18s being drawn into extremism.

Neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder, being over-represented among referrals to the programme.

Fluid or hybrid ideological beliefs among those referred and a shift toward nihilistic violence.

Influencers and creative tools such as memes, humour and coded messaging being used to spread extremist content in a way that is accessible and appealing.

Generative AI being used to produce large volumes of tailored content and disinformation.

An increase in hate crimes and incidents in the UK that are linked to anti-blasphemy activism, anti-Israel extremism, anti-Muslim hostility and eco-extremism.