Forward Thinking supports the refocusing of the Government’s efforts to ‘Prevent’ terrorism

12 August 2009
Forward Thinking calls for a more enlightened approach that will gain the support and confidence of the diverse Muslim communities and welcomes the recent statement made by government officials indicating a change in the ‘Prevent’ policy.

In addition Forward Thinking endorses yesterday’s press release by the MCB about the impact of misguided policies in dealing with Muslim communities and preventing violent extremism.

In response to the recent report by the NLGN, Cohesion Minister, Shahid Malik, announced how the government intends to renew their focus and avoid the singling-out of any one community by addressing extremism emanating from all quarters.

NLGN’s independent report argues that whilst ‘Prevent’ has helped in some areas, it undermines broader community cohesion objectives and overall risks alienating some local communities and particularly Muslim communities.

Given this negative impact the MCB’s Secretary General, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, yesterday welcomed the long overdue redress of this policy that in his words has “managed to portray British Muslims as a policy problem”.

The all-party Communities and Local Government Committee (CLG) have in recent weeks launched an inquiry into 'Prevent' and Forward Thinking will be assisting using its outreach with grassroots communities within the UK.

Forward Thinking will be making it’s own submission to the CLG inquiry of ‘Prevent’ and further feels that the rebuilding of confidence within Muslim communities and the understanding of the latter is pivotal to the success of any new policy that emanates from the government’s pledge to refocus their efforts.

A long-term objective is for Forward Thinking to work with partners and to support any effort to shape government policy that will aim to restore the trust of communities who have been affected by the ‘Prevent’ agenda.