"More suspected far-right extremists were referred to the government's anti-terrorism programme Prevent last year than those suspected of Islamist extremism, annual figures show. In total, 8,778 referrals were made because of suspicions of extremist radicalisation in the year to March 2025, 27% more than the previous year and the highest number of referrals in a single year since records began 10 years ago."
"Of the 8,769 referrals where the type of concern is specified, 21%, or 1,798 cases, were due to extreme rightwing concerns; 10%, or 870, were referrals connected to Islamist ideology; and 56%, or 4,917, were for individuals judged to have no identified ideology. Five per cent (469) of referrals were due to concerns regarding fascination with extreme violence or mass casualty attacks (where no other ideology)."
"This category recorded a large increase in referrals in the latest quarter, January to March 2025, rising by 240% compared with the previous quarter. The figures, taken from the government's programme to divert people in England and Wales from terrorism, were published on Thursday, shortly after counter-terrorism officials said there had been a significant increase in referrals since the Southport murders at a children's dance class in July 2024."
"Just over a third of referrals in 2024-25 had at least one mental health or neurodiversity condition recorded, the Home Office figures showed. Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) was the most common condition recorded, in 14% of referrals. In October, an inquiry into the Southport attack, in which three children were killed, heard there had since been a sharp rise in referrals to Prevent where there were concerns about violent fixation."
Prevent received 8,778 referrals for suspected extremist radicalisation in the year to March 2025, a 27% rise and the highest annual total since records began. Of 8,769 specified referrals, 21% (1,798) concerned extreme rightwing ideology, 10% (870) concerned Islamist ideology, and 56% (4,917) involved individuals with no identified ideology. Five percent (469) related to fascination with extreme violence or mass casualty attacks, and that category rose 240% in January–March 2025. Just over a third of referrals recorded at least one mental health or neurodiversity condition, with autism spectrum disorder recorded in 14% of cases. Counter-terrorism officials linked increased referrals to the July 2024 Southport murders; the attacker had been referred to Prevent three times but did not meet the threshold for further intervention.
#prevent-programme #far-right-extremism #islamist-extremism #violent-fixation #mental-health-and-radicalisation
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