Commission for Countering Extremism hosts international conference on extremism across Europe

Earlier in March, the Commission for Countering Extremism (CCE) hosted a conference on counterterrorism and counter-extremism threats facing Europe.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman delivered the keynote speech and discussed the recent publication of the Independent Review of Prevent (IRP) and the government response to it.

On the review of Prevent, she said: “Prevent’s core mission and first objective will be tackling the ideological causes of terrorism. We must counteract the narratives of extremists, undermine their propaganda, and take on their warped ideologies.

“The failings we see in the Prevent referrals stem directly from weaknesses at the heart of the system. The Independent Review found an inability to identify the warning signs of Islamist radicalisation, compounded by an institutional timidity in confronting this threat.

“I have accepted all 34 of William Shawcross’s recommendations, as well as the overarching finding that we need a new approach - one that better recognises the nature of the threat we face and takes it more seriously.

“We have a blind spot in the system. It has allowed certain Islamist groups to operate under our radar. There can be no place for political correctness in our national security. In fact, I’d like to banish it altogether.”

“The Commission for Countering Extremism will help us rapidly to overhaul our training and strengthen our in-house expertise, so that Prevent is better able to understand, identify, and deal with the wider problem.”

Robin Simcox, Commissioner for Countering Extremism spoke on the importance of calling upon external expertise to provide insight and challenge to policymakers on a multitude of counter-extremism issues.

He said: “Today’s conference delivered first-class discussion, insight, and opinion from leading counter-extremism experts and policymakers from across Europe.

"While the nature of the challenges may differ across Europe, we all have one common goal: to root out extremism across our societies. If we want to make progress it is essential that we bring together expert voices like these to share insights and knowledge.

"The Home Secretary made it clear how important the Commission for Countering Extremism’s role is in challenging all forms of extremism. I will be working closely with the Home Secretary and our other key partners to make progress in this vital area.”

There were also three panel discussions on the key counter-terrorism issues facing Europe; the challenge non-violent extremism poses across Europe; and how and why extremists seek legitimacy through government engagement and funding.

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