Anti-Radicalisation Law Introduced In UK

Schools, prisons and councils must act to stop people being radicalised under a new law introduced today.

The rules require public bodies to identify and report those vulnerable to extremist views.

Government guidance says:

:: Councils must consider whether publicly available computers should limit access to extremist material.

:: Schools will need to demonstrate they are protecting pupils from being led to terrorism by "having robust safeguarding policies in place to identify children at risk, and intervening as appropriate".

:: Schools are also expected to protect children from extremist material when accessing the internet.

:: Universities will have to carry out a risk assessment to determine where and how students might be radicalised.

:: Healthcare workers should be trained to recognise signs of people being drawn into extremism.

:: Prison bosses should carry out cell-sharing risk assessments for inmates.

Nurseries, colleges and probation services also have obligations under The Counter Terrorism and Security Act.

Security minister John Hayes said: "The new Prevent duty is about protecting people from the poisonous and pernicious influence of extremist ideas that are used to legitimise terrorism.

"Protecting those who are vulnerable and at risk of radicalisation is a job for all of us."

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said schools would be guided on identifying children at risk of radicalisation.

She suggested an extreme intolerance of homosexuality was an example of behaviour that could cause concern.

But the general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Christine Blower, said the Government's Prevent programme was "causing significant nervousness and confusion among teachers".

She added: "The jury is out as to whether extra statutory requirements are the most effective way to help young people stay safe, think critically, or reject engagement with groups who advocate violence.

"If pupil well-being and safety is the aim, the Prevent strategy is felt by many teachers to be counter-productive and wide of the mark.

"It risks closing down the very opportunities where the classroom can be used to develop democracy and explore human rights."

The duty applies in England, Wales and Scotland.