New head of anti-radicalisation probe sought in UK after campaign of complaint

UK's Prevent scheme has had a 50% drop in referrals due to the coronavirus outbreak

UK launches search for new independent head after predecessor Lord Carlile QC was dropped after legal challenge. EPA

Britain has launched a search for a new independent reviewer of its biggest anti-radicalisation scheme after the appointment of a former reviewer of terror laws caused a backlash and legal action.

The Prevent programme has been the main platform for monitoring possible terrorist activity in the UK but has always been controversial.

The investigation into its work was launched last year after officials succumbed to pressure from campaign groups.

The man appointed to lead the review, Lord Carlile, QC, was stood down by the government in December after a legal challenge to his appointment by campaign group Rights Watch UK.

Soon afterwards, the government’s legal advisers said they had “full confidence” in Lord Carlile's work but confirmed that his role with the programme “had been concluded”.

Last year, Wes Streeting, the co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, called his appointment a “poorly judged decision”.

Lord Carlile had previously been the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation from 2001 until 2011.

Yasmine Ahmed, the executive director of Rights Watch UK, had called for an "open and transparent" process to be carried out to find a new head for the initiative.

"Our concerns with Lord Carlile have always been clear and well-evidenced," Ms Ahmed had said.

"His long-standing objection to any kind of criticism or overhaul of Prevent is no secret. This meant the review lacked buy-in and co-operation from those it most needed to engage.

“It is important that the Home Secretary now takes the time to ensure mistakes that led to Lord Carlile’s appointment are not repeated."

On Monday, the UK launched its recruitment process for the Independent Reviewer of Prevent role, which the Minister of State for Security, James Brokenshire, described as crucial in protecting the vulnerable from terrorists.

"Prevent gives vulnerable people the support they need to protect them from terrorist recruiters," Mr Brokenshire said.

"We are always looking at how we can make the programme more effective, which is why we are committed to this independent review.

"I look forward to the appointment of the reviewer so they can get on with their vital work."

The independent review of Prevent will look at the effectiveness of the government’s strategy to protect vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism. It will also make recommendations for the future.

Experts are warning that terrorist groups could take advantage of the coronavirus chaos to move across Europe and plot attacks.

Concerns have been heightened by a slump in referrals to Prevent after the closure of schools and other community venues under the government's stay-at-home orders.

Last week, it was revealed that the anti-radicalisation scheme had a 50 per cent drop in referrals because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Referrals to the scheme often come from teachers but during Covid-19 restrictions many youths are not at school or receiving support from officials.

Chief Supt Nik Adams, the national co-ordinator for Prevent, raised concerns that youths spending more time online could become targets.

"What concerns me greatly is that the decline in the number of referrals doesn't mean that there are fewer people that need our help, but that fewer people are able to access the support they need," Chief Supt Adams told The Guardian.

“Schools, mental-health workers and other public services provide vital support and protection to young and vulnerable people.

"And the combination of those services being affected by Covid-19 and the fact that people are spending more time online means a small number of vulnerable people are at greater risk of being drawn towards terrorist activity.”

The reduction in referrals is believed to be the largest since the programme was launched more than a decade ago. Last year, six terrorist plots were thwarted in the UK.

During the passage of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 in February, the government committed to carrying out an independent review of Prevent by August 2020.

The appointment of the next reviewer will involve an advisory assessment panel, with an independent chair, that will assess the applications and interview shortlisted candidates.