Terrorism
Counter-extremism faces ‘unprecedented challenges’
The battle against radicalisation at the local level faces ‘unprecedented challenges’ due to a lack of funding, local authority leaders have warned.
Prevent concerns amid Middle East crisis
Fresh concerns have been raised about the Prevent programme amid rising tensions over the conflict in Gaza.
Calls to close extremism loopholes
Local authorities are currently ‘having to police thought’ in their counter-terrorism role, an expert has said.
LGA demands talks over anti-terror law
The Local Government Association (LGA) has demanded fresh talks with senior Home Office figures amid concerns a proposed anti-terror law will heap huge costs onto councils.
Councils warning over Prevent reforms
Councils have raised serious concerns about the Government’s proposed Prevent counter-extremism strategy reforms, warning Muslim communities could disengage and local authorities risk fresh costs.
Government pulls plug from counter-extremism group
The Government has withdrawn funding for a network that shares experiences and good practice in tackling extremists.
Manchester to implement Martyn’s Law
Manchester City Council is to implement Martyn’s Law to improve security at all public venues.
Calls to back councils in counter-extremism strategy
A ‘bold new approach’ to tackling extremism that would see local authorities’ role bolstered has been recommended in a new report.
Emergency planning has suffered under budget cuts - mandarin
‘Drastic cuts’ to council budgets have contributed to a lack of resources for emergency planning, a civil servant has warned.
Council denies ‘litany of failures’ in Shamima Begum case
Tower Hamlets LBC has denied claims it was responsible for a ‘litany of failures’ leading up to teenager Shamima Begum's decision to join Daesh.
Controversial Prevent strategy to be reviewed
An independent review of the Prevent anti-radicalisation programme will take place, ministers have announced.
Tackling the threat of terror together
Mark Conrad recently attended Prevent Strategy Channel Panel training and witnessed the wide range of dilemmas facing frontline staff tackling radicalisation and terror threats.
Local input key to new-look counter terrorism strategies
Putting councils at the centre of counter-terror strategies could allay community fears they are a front for state surveillance, experts have told The MJ.
Javid to give councils access to intelligence files
Councils will be given access to a more intelligence and police files under Home Office plans to reform the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy and share responsibility for tackling radicalisation.
Kerslake review praises council response to Manchester bomb attack
Local government’s response to the Manchester Arena bombing was ‘by any measure exceptional’, but key mistakes must be avoided in future, an official review has found.
Accept you can be challenged, public bodies told
Public bodies in Greater Manchester should be more open to being scrutinised in the aftermath of last year's terrorist attack, a report led by Lord Kerslake has urged.
Government too focused on Prevent
The Government is too focused on the Prevent programme instead of on developing an integration strategy, according to Dame Louise Casey.
Share intelligence with local authorities, MI5 told
MI5 should share relevant intelligence with local authorities and other partners, the home secretary has said.
Ben Page: Housing top concern for Londoners
Housing is the most pressing concern for people in London, the chief executive of Ipsos MORI has said.
Councils count costs of terrorism
Councils have highlighted the financial cost of terror attacks amid complaints the Government is failing to support affected areas.