Watchdog to monitor UK counter-terrorism programme
An organisation has been established to process and investigate complaints about the UK government’s Prevent counterterrorism programme.
The Standards and Compliance Unit was launched after former attorney general Sir William Shawcross said ministers “ignored” some of his crucial recommendations for Prevent, an initiative to stop people becoming radicalised.
“It’s my view that Prevent has a vital role to play in keeping our country safe from the evils of terrorism and extremism,” said Robin Simcox, the commissioner for countering extremism. “That’s why it’s so important it continues to keep the trust and confidence of the public and StaCU will help achieve that.”
The unit will also ensure Prevent is being delivered within the direction set by ministers.
It is being billed as a clear, independent and accessible way for people to give feedback on how Prevent is being run.
An online form will be available for people to raise their concerns.
The unit will review each complaint confidentially and work with statutory bodies and existing complaints processes when further investigation is needed.
As it reviews each complaint, it will also update the person who lodged it on the outcome of its investigations.
Mr Simcox said the unit would “process and investigate complaints about Prevent” and aims to “promote transparency, trust and accountability” of the programme.
It gives the public the chance to “raise concerns” about Prevent and make sure the government’s anti-terror programme is “being delivered properly”, he said.
Examples of what the unit will investigate include “missed opportunities to refer individuals” and inappropriate referrals, as well as concerns about training. The unit will review each complaint confidentially and analyse data about complaints made, Mr Simcox said.
If ministers have concerns about “potential failings” in the programme, they will be able to order the unit to carry out inquiries.
Annual reports will also be published setting out details on how many complaints have been received and the nature of those issues.
Published last year, the review called for an overhaul of the Prevent programme, with former home secretary Suella Braverman saying it needed “major reform” and must focus on security, “not political correctness”.
The programme needs to “better understand the threats we face and the ideology underpinning them”, Ms Braverman said, after a report made a host of recommendations for improvements.
“The government has published a report saying that they have made some of those changes that I asked for, that I proposed – but not enough,” Mr Shawcross told the BBC last week.
“And I think, as a result, the public is at risk”.