Vuelio briefing: Counter-extremism and #GE2017

Following the appalling attack in Manchester this week, attention has inevitably focused on the UK’s counter-extremism and counter-terrorism policies. We’ve therefore put together a briefing on Prevent – the UK’s controversial anti-extremism strategy.

An updated version of the policy has been expected for some time and Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has now promised to give Prevent an ‘uplift’ if the Conservatives are re-elected. But there are concerns about the policy’s reception in the community, the potential for it to be counter-productive, and its impact on civil liberties. As a result, Labour’s manifesto calls for the policy to be reviewed and the Liberal Democrats want it to be scrapped.

Traditionally, the Conservatives are perceived as having a stronger record on national security and this is obviously a sensitive area for Jeremy Corbyn, whose party will have to approach the topic with caution given that he has already been attacked for his links with extremists. On last night’s Question Time Amber Rudd and the newly-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, Labour’s Andy Burnham, clashed over the policy, highlighting the potential for this to become a major election issue.

Our briefing looks at the background to the strategy, outlines the arguments for and against it, and identifies the key players. Download it here.