Students urged to back counter-radicalisation programme

The National Union of Students (NUS) is being urged by ministers to support the government’s counter-radicalisation programme, Prevent.

Universities Minister Jo Johnson has written to the NUS saying it was “disappointing” to see its opposition to the Prevent strategy.

The NUS said it had “legitimate concerns” about the impact of the policy on student welfare.

From 21 September, UK universities will have a new duty to stop extremism.

Institutions will also have to tackle gender segregation at events and must have proper assessment processes for invited speakers and ensure those with extremist views do not go unchallenged.

The guidance also sets out that universities must ensure that they have appropriate information technology policies, staff training and student welfare programmes in place to recognise and respond to the signs of radicalisation.

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MI5 boss warns of technology terror risk

Advances in technology are allowing terrorists to communicate “out of the reach of authorities”, head of MI5 Andrew Parker has told the BBC.

The serving boss of the UK’s home security agency told the Today programme it was becoming more difficult to obtain online information.

He said internet companies had an “ethical responsibility” to alert agencies to potential threats.

But MI5 was not about “browsing the lives” of the public, he added.

Ministers are preparing legislation on the powers for carrying out electronic surveillance.

Mr Parker, in the first live interview by a serving MI5 boss, said what should be included in new legislation was a matter “for Parliament to decide”.

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Protecting children from radicalisation: the prevent duty

An approach taken by one local authority in England.

Visit the website here.