21 July 2009
On the 21st of July the Communities and Local Government Committee published a press notice announcing they will be undertaking an inquiry into 'Prevent', the Government's programme for preventing violent extremism.

Previous to this on the 14 July 2009 our UK Director, Huda Jawad, presented to the CLG on the topic of ‘Prevent” and shared a community perspective on it’s impact. Notably the grievances with and perceptions of the UK counter-terrorism policy.

In practice, ‘Prevent’ o a large extent places responsibility on communities to deter ‘radicalisers’ and terrorists. These wide-scale and diverse communities have many obstacles and disadvantages and may have themselves failed young people so how will they assist ‘Prevent’? What powers would they have to deter extremism?

Further, not all communities are the same so the analysis and solutions offered must be unique; but there doesn’t seem to be such an approach. This legislation is either unheard of or subsequently rejected by communities primarily because of the negative connotation that it’s title brings which is seen as criminalising whole communities. For instance, the Muslim communities in Bedford, Rochdale and Oldham have completely rejected the money and as a result the local authorities have had to find alternative ways of spending it.

Such disengagement of the Muslim community has led to a mushrooming of consultancies that offer mapping exercises and reports informing local authorities who their Muslim constituents are but very often the research is limited and does not reflect the realities on the ground.

Money is given to old and established partners who have before worked in the remit of Race and Equality but lack expertise on the multi-layered and complex issues that are found in the diverse Muslim communities.

On the topic of funding, although the criteria is flexible, there are inconsistencies or a lack of clarity as to how various funded projects will prevent violent extremism. These inconsistencies can also be applied to the quality of applications received and proposals approved.

There is a perception whether founded or not in communities and amongst those who interact with governments on these issues, that government departments are meddling in the internal affairs of Muslim communities to the extent that they are getting involved in internal faith matters and are perceived to be supporting particular ideological and theological strands within the Muslim community.

Forward Thinking has been asked to assist the CLG inquiry through reaching grassroots communities and consulting them in the future.

Read CLG's Press Notice