National Policing Lead for Prevent, Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy responds to criticism of the UK Prevent strategy

“Over the past year, a number of Muslim leaders have recognised that they need to give a stronger message against extremism and against travel to Syria. Extremist voices have been allowed to fill spaces in the media too regularly and this misrepresents the vast majority of Muslims who are committed to British values. Surveys have shown that confidence in policing in the Muslim communities is actually higher than the population as a whole.

“The prime responsibility for stopping young people thinking of travelling to Syria or other warzones must be with their families and carers, who know them and are able to spot the early signs of radicalisation.  I understand it is a difficult challenge for parents between allowing freedom and protecting young people from harmful material on the internet but the responsibility cannot be transferred to schools and the police.

“It would obviously help to have more Muslim police officers but officers working on the Prevent programme have developed an extensive knowledge of minority groups and the different facets of the Muslim religion in particular.

“It is difficult to measure success because, in counter-terrorism, success is ultimately that attacks don't take place. Nevertheless thousands of people have received help from projects supported by Prevent following concerns being raised about their behaviour and attitudes.”