UK lagging dangerously behind on tackling extremism, chilling study by MPs finds - The Mirror

UK lagging dangerously behind on tackling extremism, chilling study by MPs finds

The Home Affairs Committee found the flagship counter-terrorism Prevent programme is not equipped to deal with alarming online groups such as 'com networks' spreading dangerous hate online

View 2 Images Axel Rudakubana was referred to the flagship Prevent programme three times before the Southport attack in 2024 (Image: PA)

The UK is lagging dangerously behind in dealing with new forms of extremism, a probe by MPs has found.

Ministers have been warned that flagship counter-terror programme Prevent is outdated and inadequately equipped to deal with emerging challenges. A damning report today warns that online networks targeting children - and sick influencers saying dangerous things to make money - are not being tackled fast enough.

MPs said authorities have too little understanding how online misogyny, antisemitism, conspiracy theories and violence are radicalising young and vulnerable people. The report said 'com networks', groups known to encourage sexual extortion, violent crime and neo-Nazism, are a "serious and escalating threat".

And it warned that social media, gaming platforms, online forums and influencers are spreading extremist material faster than it can be taken down.

The findings, by the cross-party Home Affairs Committee, came after it emerged Southport killer Axel Rudakubana had been referred to Prevent three times - but each time his case was closed because he was not deemed a terrorism risk.

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View 2 Images Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Da Silva Aguiar died in the Southport attack (Image: PA)

He went on to kill three girls and injure 10 others in a horrifying attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in 2024. MPs said the programme has become over-saturated with referrals, with many of those flagged having no clear ideology but displaying a fascination with violence. Neuro divergent people are over-represented in referrals, the report states.

Dame Karen Bradley, who chairs the committee, said: "Many of the core functions designed to divert children and young people at risk of being radicalised were established in a different age.

"Prevent has the clear and explicit function of stopping people becoming radicalised into terrorism, but more and more it is having to support those with no ideological motivation, who may have complex needs and operate in digital spaces that are poorly understood.

“There needs to be a comprehensive structure in place at a local level, but implemented nationwide, that triages referrals to where they can receive the right support."

During the inquiry, Imran Ahmed, Chief Executive at the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, said social media firms are turning a blind eye to the role they play.

He told MPs: "When you go home tonight, I want you to record a video of yourself and put five seconds of Taylor Swift’s latest song in the background and try uploading it to YouTube and see how fast their algorithms can identify her song and [shut down your video].

"They (tech companies) know exactly how to do this. They have been doing it for a decade when it comes to copyrighted material, and yet when it comes to content that make our kids cut themselves or might lead to a terrorist attack, they somehow cannot do it."

The report said teaching young people to analyse online material critically and identify AI deepfakes is a key step.