There are a number of problems with PREVENT. These are:

  • It restricts free speech as any dissent aimed at the government could be deemed extremist.
  • PREVENT’s focus on ‘extremist’ ideology has led to normative expressions of Muslim faith and practice to be seen as markers of extremism.
  • It creates mistrust between frontline public sector workers (e.g. doctors and teachers) and the public who use these services.
  • There is no evidence that ideology is the main driving force which leads to violence. It is based on a flawed study which we cover in our report “The ‘science’ of pre-crime: The secret ‘radicalisation’ study underpinning PREVENT”
  • PREVENT is accused of dividing, stigmatising and alienating segments of the population, and could end up promoting extremism, rather than countering it.

(NOTE: CAGE represents cases of individuals based on the remit of our work. Supporting a case does not mean we agree with the views or actions of the individual. Content published on CAGE may not reflect the official position of our organisation.)