To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Sharpe of Epsom
on 23 January (HL1524), under what circumstances (1) a human rights, social justice,
or environmental activist, and (2) an individual expressing socialist views, crosses
the threshold for Prevent referrals as ‘left wing extremist’; and whether such an
individual needs to be planning, involved in or threatening acts of violence in order
to be so considered.
<p>Frontline professionals, when deciding whether to make a referral, should consider
whether they believe the person they are concerned about may be on a pathway that
could lead to terrorism. In determining whether a concern meets the threshold for
referral to Prevent, it is important to consider the harm posed to the person, as
well as whether accessing support through Prevent might stop potential wider societal
harm committed by the person. A risk-based approach should always be followed, using
professional judgement and curiosity. There is no single model of a person’s radicalisation
journey or single profile of a radicalised person. There may be times when the precise
ideological driver is not clear. Yet, like any safeguarding mechanism, it is far better
to receive referrals which turn out not to be of concern than for someone who genuinely
needs support to be missed.</p>
To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance they are providing for Prevent practitioners
on the circumstances under which they are required to refer an individual involved
in human rights, social justice or environmental activism who is not expressing support
for violence.
<p>Prevent practitioners should follow the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance"
target="_blank">Prevent duty guidance</a>. Free training is available on gov.uk which
includes the notice, check, share procedure. Practitioners should consider whether
they believe the person may be on a pathway that could lead to terrorism. Those with
specific Prevent responsibilities are expected to have a good understanding of extremist
ideologies as a key driver of radicalisation and should complete any required ideology
training.</p>
