Home Office names independent reviewer of Prevent programme

August 19, 2019

The Government has appointed Lord Carlile as the Independent Reviewer of the Prevent programme that is intended to safeguard vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism.

The Government announced the creation of the Independent Review of Prevent in January as part of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act.

The review will focus on the current delivery of the programme and make recommendations for the future and is expected to report to Parliament by August 2020. The terms of reference for the review will be published shortly, the Home Office said.

Security Minister Brandon Lewis said: “Lord Carlile brings a wealth of experience and skills to this role. As the former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, he showed independence and rigour and I am pleased he has agreed to lead this review.

“Prevent is vitally important in stopping vulnerable individuals being drawn into terrorism and has been instrumental in turning people’s lives around for the better and keeping our communities safe.”

Lewis added: “Our Prevent Network across the country – from mentors giving individual support, to raising awareness of the dangers of radicalisation – works tirelessly to tackle all forms of terrorism.

“We are continually improving and evolving the programme, and I look forward to seeing Lord Carlile’s recommendations on how we can learn more about what works and where we need to improve.”

Lord Carlile said: “The nature of the terrorist threat is ever-changing and government policy must evolve in order to tackle it.

“I look forward in my new role to seeing Prevent work in action and hearing views from supporters, critics and everyone in between to see the evidence of what is and isn’t working. The review will be strongly evidence based.

“As the former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, I have a strong track record of asserting and sustaining my independence of government in assessing the effectiveness of legislation, and this role will be no different.”