Following the appalling attack in Manchester this week, attention has inevitably focused on the UK\u2019s counter-extremism and counter-terrorism policies. We\u2019ve therefore put together a briefing on Prevent \u2013 the UK\u2019s controversial anti-extremism strategy.<\/p>\n
An updated version of the policy has been expected for some time and Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has now promised to give Prevent an \u2018uplift\u2019 if the Conservatives are re-elected. But there are concerns about the policy\u2019s reception in the community, the potential for it to be counter-productive, and its impact on civil liberties. As a result, Labour\u2019s manifesto calls for the policy to be reviewed and the Liberal Democrats want it to be scrapped.<\/p>\n
Traditionally, the Conservatives are perceived as having a stronger record on national security and this is obviously a sensitive area for Jeremy Corbyn, whose party will have to approach the topic with caution given that he has already been attacked for his links with extremists. On last night\u2019s Question Time<\/em> Amber Rudd and the newly-elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, Labour\u2019s Andy Burnham, clashed over the policy, highlighting the potential for this to become a major election issue.<\/p>\n