Figures indicate improved referrals to Prevent

New Home Office figures have shown that 6,093 individuals were referred to the government’s Prevent programme between April 2016 to March 2017. The latest statistics indicate that of those who received support from the Channel path of the programme, over a third were as a result of far-right concerns. Of those referred to Prevent, 332 individuals went onto receive support from Channel. The Home Office has also revealed that 79 per cent people left the programme with no further terrorism-related concerns. Security Minister Ben Wallace said: “The Prevent programme is fundamentally about protecting people who are vulnerable to all forms of radicalisation and has stopped hundreds of individuals being drawn towards terrorism and violence. The figures show that the programme is continuously improving, demonstrated by better referrals being made and the fact that we are tackling the threat from the far-right. “We have seen all too starkly the devastating consequences of radicalisation and the need for a coordinated response at a local and national level. We will continue to work with partners to improve and make sure this crucial support is given to those who need it. The number of individuals referred to Prevent who went on to be discussed at the multi-agency Channel panel who examine whether an intervention is necessary, rose from 14 per cent in 2015 to 2016 to 19 per cent indicating better quality referrals are being made. The proportion of referrals which went on to receive Channel support also increased slightly.”