Government launches drive to combat extremism across the public sector

The government has launched a major drive to combat the ’infiltration’ of the public sector by extremists.

A full review has been ordered, with a report due by next year, to examine the threat of ‘entryism’ within the public sector, including the NHS, local authorities and schools, by extremists and radicals.

The plans follow the Trojan Horse scandal in Birmingham, where a number if extremists attempted to infiltrate schools to radicalise pupils.

The new strategy says: “The review will clearly set out the risk posed and advise on measures to guard against entryism, for example by improving governance, inspection and whistleblowing mechanisms. It will also engage charities and businesses to help them identify and tackle entryist behaviour.”

The review will also consider new powers to intervene in the activities of faith-based ‘supplementary schools’.

Launching the new counter-extremism strategy, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Defeating extremism in all its forms is not something the state can do alone. We need the help of everyone, including our faith communities. We must be absolutely clear that when it comes to countering Islamist extremism, our strategy is not about criticising or attacking the religion of Islam or its followers. Our aim is to work in partnership to isolate the extremists from everyone else – and to stop them from driving a wedge between British Muslims and the rest of our society.”

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “A new approach is required to tackle this growing threat and protect people from the damage extremists cause. This strategy therefore addresses the full spectrum of extremism: violent and non-violent, Islamist and neo-Nazi – hate and fear in all their forms.

“We will systematically confront and challenge extremist ideology, exposing it for the lie it is. And we will thwart its destructive consequences. We will disrupt all those who seek to spread hate and we will prosecute all those who break the law.”

However, the new strategy has been criticised by some within the Muslim community, who fear it will be counterproductive. Dr Shuja Shafi, Muslim Council of Britain secretary general, said: “It risks being counterproductive by alienating the very people needed to confront al-Qaida or Daesh-related terrorism: British Muslim communities.

“For over ten years we have had to contend with a misguided ‘conveyor-belt theory’ analysis that conflates terrorism with subjective notions of extremism and Islamic practices. Whether it is in mosques, education or charities, the strategy will reinforce perceptions that all aspects of Muslim life must undergo a ‘compliance’ test to prove our loyalty to this country.”

The Ramadhan Foundation has also responded by saying that the strategy is a missed opportunity for the government to work in partnership with the Muslim community. Chief executive Mohammed Shafiq said: “What we require now is for British Muslims to be engaged without prejudice and a new approach adopted that will see Muslims as equal citizens and not some sort of aliens to be bashed from time to time for political gains.”