Study finds problems with new initiative to Prevent Violent Extremism

A deeply unpopular initiative has come unstuck with fears of pandering and Islamophobia, a study has revealed. The study, commisioned by the Audit Commision, looked into the governments controversial initiative to prevent terrorism via cohesion work and found that the project had experienced various problems on the ground.

Criticisms within the study, which was reported on the New Start website, included too much focus on Muslim communities and providing too little initial guidance which has lead to problems at local level. It recommends that faith leaders and trusted community leaders be involved in the distribution of funds, and that intiatives are owned by communities and voluntary organisations.

It said there should be greater research on the cause of violent extremism and more information sharing between local partners about what works.

The New Start article can be found in full here.