Prevent : The United Kingdom responds to terrorism

Prevent has served as a lightning rod for a debate that transcends any one policy or any one government strategy: debate about the extent to which non-violent extremism can be co-opted, or perhaps even promoted, in order to reduce the threat from violent extremists who share the ideology of jihadist groups such as al-Qaeda. This chapter examines the genesis of Prevent and the reasons for its introduction; tracks shifts within the policy; assesses the validity of criticisms leveled at Prevent; and examines the prospects for Prevent’s longevity. It contends that while few would argue Prevent has been an unqualified success, the strategy has had some utility. The Labour government’s loss of power in the May 2010 General Election to a Conservative/Liberal Democrat alliance provided an opportunity for a fresh look at the effectiveness of Prevent.