Threat from far-Right extremists hits record

A RECORD number of alleged Right-wing extremists are being referred to the Government’s de-radicalisation programme.

More suspects are now receiving specialist support due to concerns about farRight beliefs than about Islamism.

A total of 1,389 referrals were made to Prevent concerning Right-wing extremism in the year to March – almost double the 759 cases flagged in 2015/16. Meanwhile, the number of alleged Islamic radicals referred dropped from 3,197 to 1,404, Home Office figures show.

Those deemed at risk of being drawn into terrorism may then be offered specialist help in a voluntary scheme known as Channel. Some 254 far-Right extremists were put on it, compared to 210 Islamist suspects. It is the first time Right-wing radicalisation cases have outstripped those of people being referred for support of Islamic State or Al Qaeda.

It comes after counter terror chief Neil Basu called the far-Right the UK’s fastestgrowing threat. A referral to Prevent will usually come from a teacher, police officer or relative. Taking part is not compulsory.