Braverman claims political correctness has created a blind spot for Islamist extremists

Home secretary, Suella Braverman, has said that political correctness has created a blind spot for Islamist extremists to operate under the radar.

Braverman was speaking at a counter-extremism conference organised by the commissioner for countering extremism, Robin Simcox.

The speech has been obtained by the Times and in it, she says: “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.”

According to The Times, Braverman announced a scheme intended to combat misinformation of the Prevent programme and the creation of an independent standards unit to help communities report concerns about prevention efforts.

Her comments come a month after William Shawcross's Prevent review. After the publication of the review, Braverman said: “Prevent needs major reform. Prevent needs to better understand the threats we face and the ideology underpinning them.

“I will swiftly implement all of the review’s recommendations and will report on my progress a year from now.

“Prevent’s focus must solely be on security, not political correctness.”

However Shawcross's review has been widely criticised for its view on Islam and for dismissing other forms of extremism including Incel ideology.

On Twitter Braverman said: “Tackling extremism in (the UK) is a vital part of protecting our security.

“I was pleased to speak at a @CommissionCE Countering Extremism conference today & wish to thank @RobinSimcox for his committed work.

“I look forward to further work on this crucial cause to safeguard our country.”

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