A SHARED ENDEAVOUR Working in Partnership to Counter Violent Extremism in London THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-19 3

Copyright

Greater London Authority June 2019

Greater London Authority City Hall The Queen’s Walk More London London SE1 2AA www.london.gov.uk enquiries 020 7983 4000 THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-19 3

Contents

1. Foreword from the Mayor of London 4

2. Executive summary 8

3. Defining countering violent extremism (CVE) 14

4. Listening 18

5. Strengthening communities by building resilience to extremism 28

6. Encouraging communities to stand up to extremism 44

7. Safeguarding vulnerable Londoners from radicalisation 60

8. Stopping the spread of extremist ideologies 98

9. City Hall leadership, coordination and collaboration to 118 keep Londoners safe from extremism

10. Conclusion 134

Annex 1: Table of recommendations 136

Annex 2: Threat from extremism 144

Annex 3: Community led engagement reports 154

3.1 Anti-Tribalism Movement

3.3 Faiths Forum for London

3.3 Small Steps Community

Annex 4: Consultation results

Annex 5: Research findings

Annex 6: Policy exchange session write-up THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 5

1. Foreword THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 5

As Mayor of London, keeping Londoners engagement and consultation phase safe is my top priority. Over the last few which would hear from experts, years we have seen an unprecedented authorities, stakeholders, women’s shift in the threat from violent extremism. groups, young people and all of the London has suffered tragic terrorist capital’s communities so that their attacks at Westminster, London Bridge, views could shape the Programme. Finsbury Park and Parsons Green, with attempts at perpetrating subsequent This Programme has delivered the most attacks foiled. I made standing together comprehensive city-wide listening against hatred, intolerance and exercise ever in this policy area. It extremism a priority for my Mayoralty has heard the voices and opinions of but the tragic loss of life and widespread thousands of community members, injury resulting from events in 2017 led stakeholders and experts. I was me to announce my intention to deliver particularly determined to hear from the a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) voices of those who, in the past, have not Programme to identify what more could been heard but who are often the most be done to renew and improve efforts to important to listen to, including from tackle all forms of extremism in our city. minority and marginalised communities, women and young people. I am pleased I am proud that London is a beacon to say that this Programme has heard of open, diverse and inclusive values these voices. I am truly grateful to and that, on the whole, we do not just acknowledge our differences we everyone who has participated. celebrate them. However, we know This report has been shaped by all that every single day the real and of those who have engaged with the constant threat from the spread of Programme and sets out opportunities violent extremism weighs heavily on our for renewed and improved activities minds. Despite London continuing to across the core themes of better be the most diverse and inclusive city strengthening communities against in the world there are some individuals who remain determined to divide us, extremism, encouraging communities to sow the seeds of hatred within our to stand up to hate and intolerance, communities and to spread perverse safeguarding vulnerable people from and twisted ideologies. This is damaging radicalisation and stopping the spread of our society and the integration of our extremist ideologies. communities, and, in its most extreme Whilst it was helpful to separate form, has led to the loss of innocent lives on our streets through acts of findings and recommendations across grotesque violence. the strengthening, encouraging, safeguarding and stopping themes, I was determined that my CVE it is important to fully recognise the Programme would put listening and strong overlapping nature of both the learning right at the heart of this work challenges and solutions to countering and I tasked City Hall officials with the violent extremism and as such this delivery of an extensive and innovative document must be read in that context. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 7

“We need to root out inequality and poverty which all too often lie at the heart of disenchantment and resentment, feelings extremists seek to exploit. We must do more to empower communities to speak out and challenge hate crime and extremist views. We need communities to report concerns to the police and local authorities and we need to find lasting solutions that will stop the spread of violent extremism completely.”

- Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 7

The findings of this Programme are radicalisation. This means that there is stark. Good work in London has been no single solution to fix this challenge evidenced but it is clear that our ability and therefore for us to truly defeat to tackle violent extremism currently violent extremism we must look to is simply not good enough, putting mitigate this threat from multiple angles. our safety and security at risk. Efforts to improve and renew are needed We need to root out inequality and urgently. This report sets out several poverty which all too often lie at recommendations which should be the heart of disenchantment and immediately implemented. resentment, feelings extremists seek to exploit. We must do more to empower My Programme also undertook a full communities to speak out and challenge and frank assessment of existing hate crime and extremist views. We need counter extremism delivery in London, communities to report concerns to the including the work of the Government’s police and local authorities and we need counter radicalisation strategy, Prevent. to find lasting solutions that will stop the We found that Prevent has done some spread of violent extremism completely. good work, no doubt saving lives, and I welcome some of the recent efforts We will only be able to counter violent to boost transparency and grass roots extremism most effectively if all in engagement. But we also found examples society work in partnership together. of historical and current failings and This report sets out recommendations shortcomings. In some sections of for improved efforts from the society there is both misunderstanding Government, local authorities, police, and a deep mistrust of Prevent. It’s stakeholders and London’s communities. time for a rethink to make this strategy As Mayor of London I will do everything more effective. in my power to reduce the risk of violent extremism in the capital. I am investing This is why I welcome the independent £1million into new City Hall activity to review of Prevent but against the bring additional value to this vital backdrop of the heightened scale and policy area. pace of the threat of violent extremism, improvements simply cannot wait We must all stand together to tackle alone for a lengthy review process. The hatred, intolerance and extremism to Government must listen to the findings ensure that we keep Londoners safe of this Programme and implement and uphold and cherish the values that improvements immediately. extremists so hate, democracy, justice, equality and our openness to others. The causes of violent extremism are immensely complex and can involve To truly defeat extremism, this must be a diverse range of issues. There is no a shared endeavour and we all have an single pathway into violent extremism important role to play. and there is no absolute check list as to who might be vulnerable to Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 9

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This is the final report of the Mayor of London’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Programme. It has been produced following the most comprehensive and in-depth city-wide engagement ever in this policy area and has been shaped by listening to community members, stakeholders and experts. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 9

The context The challenge

In 2017, the UK saw an unprecedented In a keynote address in February 2019, shift in the threat of terrorism with former Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) London suffering four appalling attacks Assistant Commissioner, Specialist alongside many further plots which Operations, Sir Mark Rowley said that were foiled by the police and security “The acute threat we face from terrorism services. will only be tackled when the whole of society understands and responds to the In December 2017, the Mayor launched chronic threat from extremism.”1 the CVE Programme to identify opportunities to improve and renew The issue of violent extremism is efforts to tackle violent extremism in complex. There is no single profile the capital. of a terrorist and no one pathway into radicalisation. Therefore, there The programme had three core is no solitary solution. To effectively objectives: to identify opportunities to challenge extremism, we must identify renew and improve work to strengthen and understand all of its drivers and London’s minority and marginalised address them with the entire range of communities from extremism, to interventions at our disposal. This can safeguard vulnerable people from only be done if all in society - authorities, radicalisation, and to stop the spread stakeholders, families and communities - of extremist ideologies. The Mayor also work together as a shared endeavour. asked the programme to consider how to encourage communities to stand up to extremism and to deliver a full and frank assessment of existing counter extremism delivery.

1. Policy Exchange, 2018, Extremism and Terrorism: The need for a whole society response, https://policyexchange.org.uk/pxevents/the-colin-cramphorn-memorial-lecture-by-mark-rowley/ THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 11

Our approach Our key findings and recommendations

Throughout the programme, we were The programme has revealed that while determined to listen to those voices that there is much to be positive about, there have previously been unheard, hearing are several key areas that require urgent views which have previously been improved and renewed action if we are to absent in countering violent extremism satisfy ourselves that all possible steps discussions and some that have are being taken to effectively counter been previously dismissed including violent extremism. minority and marginalised communities, disempowered women and young people. Whilst this report has sought to separate findings and recommendations across Whilst the programme sought out the following five chapters, it is important engagement with academics, it has to underscore the strong overlapping purposefully not looked to deliver nature of both the challenges and a heavily academically focussed solutions to countering extremism. programme and instead concentrated It therefore must be recognised that the framing of this report on the recommendations which are placed in combined thoughts of community one chapter are likely, upon occasion, to members, stakeholders and experts. benefit overarching objectives in other chapters. The full list of Programme We set no arbitrary parameters for the Recommendations can be found at areas of countering violent extremism Annex 1. we focused on and as such allowed those who engaged with the programme to help steer our work. This led to the programme identifying and discussing a broad spectrum of extremism- driven harms but focusing mostly on manifestations of hate, intolerance, violence and terrorism.

In turn, the breadth of the harms identified meant that the programme looked at solutions spanning a wide range of policy areas - social integration, community engagement, education, policing and security. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 11

1. Strengthening communities by 2. Encouraging communities building resilience to extremism to stand up to extremism

Two-thirds of Londoners see strong, Throughout the Programme, cohesive and integrated communities communities demonstrated that they as effective in reducing the risk of people are well placed and moreover willing to carrying out extremism, hate crime and stand up to extremism. terrorism. However, the Programme heard concerns However, evidence gathered for this about a lack of support, resources and programme indicates Government information which is holding back activity cuts to key services such as youth and that stands up to extremism. community services alongside English language courses are being acutely As a result, the Mayor is committing to felt in communities and put efforts providing a small grants programme to to strengthen and better integrate civil society groups delivering projects communities at risk. which directly counter extremism, offer positive alternatives to vile ideologies We call on the Government to reverse and encourage others to stand up to these cuts and call on partners to work hate and intolerance. more closely together to ensure that London is a place of safety, community Still, we recognise that City Hall cannot and opportunity for all. This must solve these problems alone and we incorporate empowering women and call on the Government to step up and involving young people. significantly increase its investment in bottom up delivery which encourages and supports communities to stand up to extremism. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 13

3. Safeguarding vulnerable 4. Stopping the spread of extremist Londoners from radicalisation ideologies

We know that communities want to be Extremists have proved motivated and the first line of defence in protecting adept in spreading their messages of vulnerable people from radicalisation and hate to a wide audience. Our research found that 66% of Londoners would tell found that a quarter of Londoners the police if they were worried about an experienced or witnessed views individual being manipulated or exploited promoting, endorsing or supporting towards extremism or terrorism. extremism over the last 12 months.

However, we found that 64% of Participants drew particular attention Londoners would not know how to to the use of the internet by extremists seek help from the authorities. This is to promote their ideologies and also to a serious concern, and we call on the fundraise. Government, National Counter-Terrorism Police HQ and local authorities to take More must be done by the Government actions to address this awareness gap. and tech companies to reduce the ability for those who wish to use the internet After a full and frank assessment of to promote violent extremism, and to existing counter-radicalisation delivery increase the ability of the public to refer we found that this reassures some but such content to the authorities for swift causes fear and concern in others. consideration to removal.

To ensure existing strategy is most effective we call for renewed efforts to improve delivery but also boost engagement with sceptical and mistrustful cohorts. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 13

5. City Hall leadership, coordination The Mayor is determined to lead from and collaboration to keep the front in tackling extremism and in Londoners safe from extremism light of this report, is committing to new investment totalling more than £1 million Many of the community participants of to fund: the programme stated that they look to the Mayor and City Hall for leadership • a new City Hall CVE Programme, and embraced the Mayor’s decision to • a small grants programme for civil deliver a countering violent extremism society groups, programme. • counter radicalisation safeguarding We recognise the unique role City Hall awareness for City Hall commissioned can play in supporting efforts to counter services, extremism in London and set out plans • counter extremism awareness for City Hall to become a local, national sessions delivered through City Hall and international hub of good practice and partner networks, sharing and peer to peer learning. • the convening of pan-London Furthermore, in a city so rich with thematic good practice sessions, and private enterprise, cultural and sporting • potential future research. infrastructure, more needs to be done to create strong and long-lasting public This report recognises that City Hall and private sector partnerships where can’t solve this problem alone and that resources and skills can be shared, many of the recommendations of this and the reach of countering extremism report will not be actioned unless the delivery amplified. City Hall will scope Government provides the necessary potential opportunities for new resources. partnerships. We hope that the Government, partner agencies, stakeholders and communities will come forward in a similar spirit to City Hall and help deliver the recommendations of this report. By working together, all in London can better strengthen minority and marginalised communities from extremism, encourage communities to stand up to extremism, increase the ability to safeguard vulnerable people from radicalisation and more effectively stop the spread of extremist ideologies. THE LONDON COUNTERINGTACKLING VIOLENCE VIOLENT AGAINST EXTREMISM WOMEN PROGRAMME AND GIRLS REPORT STRATEGY 2018-2019 15

3. DEFINING COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM

The Programme recognises that at present there are no universally agreed definitions for terms such as ‘extremism’, ‘violent extremism’ and ‘radicalisation’. Where definitions have been used, these are often contested amongst experts, academics, stakeholders and within wider society.

The Programme therefore allowed for a broad approach to the definition of these terms, giving licence to community members, stakeholders and experts to lead the Programme into areas which they associated with countering violent extremism, rather than setting rigid defined parameters. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 15

The term ‘violent extremism’ was It was helpful when needed, to use considered by many to relate to any definitions to start conversations and violent act associated to extremism set research parameters and for this the (therefore including examples such as following definitions were used by the violence motivated by hate). However, Programme. the Programme found that in the main, community members, stakeholders Hate crime: The Home Office defines and experts would associate the term hate crime as “Any criminal offence ‘violent extremism’ with terrorism and which is perceived, by the victim or any ‘violent extremist groups’ with those other person, to be motivated by hostility organisations that avowedly support or prejudice towards someone based on and promote terrorism. Therefore, a a personal characteristic.”3 considerable focus was placed by the Programme on countering terrorism. This Extremism: The Prevent Duty and also meant that a notable focus was also Counter-Extremism strategy, both placed on assessing the Government’s published in 2015, define extremism counter terrorism strategy CONTEST and as “The vocal or active opposition most specifically the Prevent strategy, to our fundamental values, including which seeks to “stop people becoming democracy, the rule of law, individual 2 terrorists or supporting terrorism” . liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. It was also considered that ‘non-violent extremism’ can potentially create the We also regard calls for the death fertile ground from which violence can of members of our armed forces as 4 flourish and therefore participants extremist.” directed the Programme to consider extremism more holistically, not focusing solely on those ideologies that are avowedly violent but to also include ideologies which seek to portray other communities as intrinsically different, deny rights, promote negative stereotypes, dehumanize or blame entire ethnic, religious or cultural groups. Much of the Programme therefore speaks to concepts around countering 2. Home Office, 2015, Prevent duty guidance, https://www.gov.uk/ extremism more broadly, recognising that government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance 3. Home Office, 2018, Hate Crime, England and Wales, 2017 to 2018, segregation, intolerance, hate, violence https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hate-crime-england-and-wales- and terrorism can all be symptoms of 2017-to-2018 extremism. 4. Home Office, 2015, Counter-Extremism Strategy https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/counter-extremism-strategy THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 17

Terrorism: There is a legal definition of The Programme recognised that terrorism in the UK which can be found in symptoms of extremism can manifest in the Terrorism Act 2006 where terrorism different ways and should be reflected is defined as “An action or threat upon as a spectrum of harms. This designed to influence the Government spectrum includes but is not limited to or intimidate the public. Its purpose isolation, segregation, marginalisation, is to advance a political, religious or harmful practices, intolerance, hate, the ideological cause.” denial of rights, violence and terrorism.

The action or threat would need to relate It was agreed that the causes of these to “Serious violence against a person, harms are too complex to simply connect involves serious damage to property, every instance of them to extremism endangers a person’s life, other than or an extremist ideology. There was that of the person committing the action, wide agreement by participants that creates a serious risk to the health or extremism must be rooted in an ideology safety of the public or a section of the or movement where societal change is public, is designed seriously to interfere sought. Therefore, the term ‘countering with or seriously to disrupt an electronic extremism’ in respect to this Programme system.”5 can be reflective of countering this spectrum of harms where the causes Radicalisation: Government guidance driving each instance are rooted in an refers to radicalisation as “The process ideology or movement attempting to by which a person comes to support enact societal change. terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.”6 In recognition to the spectrum of harms crossing societal, safeguarding and security policy areas, the Mayor asked the Programme to work with the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, the Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility & Community Engagement and the Deputy Mayor for Education and Children. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 17

The current threat from extremism was considered in detail, particularly around the suitability of the current manifestations of extremism and terrorism to the methodological approach of the Programme. A detailed write up of the threat from extremism can be found at Annex 2.

Due to the time limited nature of the Programme and the extraordinarily wide range of symptoms of extremism across the spectrum of harms, the Programme focused on five themed areas as set out in this report. This was partly owing to the Programme being naturally led to these themes by participants but also as clear areas for improved and renewed activity emerged early on and throughout the Programme relating to these themes.

The Programme recognises that continued research and engagement is required on many of the aspects relating to extremism that the Programme did not focus on.

5. Home Office. 2006, The Terrorism Act 2006, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-terrorism-act-2006 6. Home Office, 2015, Prevent duty guidance, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 19

4. LISTENING THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 19

Ensuring that Londoners shape “A member of the Mayor’s countering the Programme violent extremism team came to speak The Programme set out to put listening to us about extremism, intolerance and learning right at the heart of this and radicalisation. It was great to be work. Through the delivery of an in-depth given the opportunity to speak about and innovative engagement portfolio these issues because at school we the Programme heard from community don’t usually talk about it. What was members, stakeholders and experts. great though is that our opinions are shaping a London programme. I liked Through a comprehensive spread of that we were listened to. It was about us engagement offers, the Programme influencing the Mayor and his views.” has listened to the voices and opinions Young person – of thousands of community members, CVE team engagement stakeholders and experts including successfully managing to hear from those who, in the past, have not participated in opportunities to engage Hearing from such a diverse array of previously or been given the chance to London’s communities has meant that have their voices heard. grassroots voices have been at the heart of our listening. This has ensured that This has included participation from the Programme has delivered effective minority and marginalised communities, and evidence-based findings and including women who previously have recommendations. felt disempowered to engage with the authorities or in some instances have been blocked from participating, but also young people whom have too often been overlooked.

“The Mayor’s Programme gathered women from across London to share our views on what we need to do to make our young children and families safe from extremism and radicalisation. We were listened to and it reinforced that together as women there is nothing we cannot achieve.” Women’s group leader – CVE team engagement THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 21

Methodology i. Programme led stakeholder meetings The Programme included five key engagement phases. Initially, the Programme team mapped out key stakeholders who are actively involved and engaged in existing counter-extremism delivery across London or well placed to offer a view on this policy area and invited them to attend private stakeholder meetings.

This was made up of stakeholders across multiple cohorts including but not limited to, the police, central government, local authorities (elected members and officers), civil society groups, charities, think tanks and regulatory bodies.

STAKEHOLDER COMMUNITY LED COMMISSIONED MEETINGS ENGAGEMENT RESEARCH

STRATEGIC FORMAL ENGAGEMENT CONSULTATION SESSIONS THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 21

ii. Programme led strategic Workshops At these sessions, attendees engagement sessions were asked to focus on solutions to specific issues previously identified by Where appropriate, private meetings with communities and other stakeholders, stakeholders mushroomed into broader such as identifying opportunities to strategic engagement sessions. This renew and improve a specific thematic included thematic sessions with multiple issue. stakeholders from a shared area, such as the education or youth worker sector. “It was great to be included in such This also included sessions with grass a diverse group of people from roots community service users of the different backgrounds to discuss the stakeholders, including young people difficulties of gaining referrals from and marginalised women. the public. The sessions created a safe space for discussion focussing The Programme team hosted over 50 on the challenges faced in different strategic engagement sessions with communities which led to meaningful stakeholders and communities from suggestions for the report.” across London, meeting with over 1400 participants in total. Sessions took one Participant CVE team engagement of four forms: (workshop session)

Roundtables Sessions consisted of three to four questions relating to the Programme’s core objectives. These sessions enabled the Programme to absorb the views, experiences and ideas of thematic audiences where issues were highlighted, gaps and barriers identified, and discussion and debate had on potential solutions.

“We were pleased to be invited to contribute to City Hall’s consultation. We believe that addressing extremism shouldn’t be seen in isolation and we felt that City Hall staff were able to see this approach in action through meeting our staff, young people, parents and stakeholders.”

Evan Jones Head of CCE Development, St Giles Trust THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 23

Facilitated discussions These sessions iii. Community led engagement were often with young people and delivered a combination of learning The Programme was successful in about extremism as well as exploring engaging members of grass roots views, experiences and ideas from the communities including those who feel audience. marginalised along with the previously unheard. However, the Programme recognised that not everyone would be “I was able to offer groups of young willing to take City Hall officials up on people from our network of schools the offer of engagement and therefore the unique opportunity to participate sought to work with civil society partners in shaping the conversation and to deliver community led engagement. policy on some of the most pressing This allowed the Programme to further issues facing our society today - diversify its engagement portfolio and namely radicalisation and extremism. increase the ability to hear the views of Not only did this opportunity allow ‘hard to engage’ communities who might young people to explore a topic be ‘at risk’ from extremism. they seldom get the opportunity to discuss openly and in a supportive environment, but they were able to directly participate in influencing policy through the Mayor’s extensive outreach to Londoners. I’m sure the experience will stay with them for a long time and shape their lives ahead.”

Liam Duffy Director, Since 9/11

Partnership workshops At these sessions the Programme collaborated with external organisations to run theme specific workshops.

“This was one of the most productive and thought-provoking graduate sessions that I have been lucky enough to be involved in.”

Connor Natella Regional Graduate Manager (South), National Citizens Service THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 23

In August 2018 the Programme Successful grant holders delivered an open and competitive grant application process which invited Anti-Tribalism Movement (ATM) civil society organisations to bid for secured a grant to undertake small grants to deliver community engagement with members of led engagement. Three organisations London’s minority communities. received grants: This engagement was with BAME community members (predominately from East African diasporas). It focused ANTI-TRIBALISM MOVEMENT on four cohorts. Young people, parents • Undertake engagament with (predominately mothers), practitioners members of London’s BAME working within the community and also communities members of the disabled community.

• Focused on young people, The ATM were able to use their trusted parents, practitioners and status within the community to engage members of the disabled those who ordinarily would not have community. participated in an authority-based engagement exercise.

This engagement highlighted challenges FAITHS FORUM FOR LONDON around a lack of awareness on when • Undertake engagement with to get help, how to get help and what young people from London’s faith help does and does not consist of. community It also highlighted the importance of engagement between communities and • Peer-led engagement delivered statutory stakeholders. by young people and focus groups from age 13-26 “The Mayor’s Countering Violent Extremism Programme enabled us to engage and listen to a wide range of Londoners about their understanding of CVE. The proactive and honest SMALL STEPS COMMUNITY engagements of the Programme have enabled Londoners to propose • Undertake engagement with realistic and collective ideas to root London’s white communities out violent extremism within our • Focused in areas with society.” evidence of historical right- Adam Matan OBE Managing Director, wing extremism activity Anti-Tribalism Movement THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 25

Faiths Forum for London (FFL) secured This engagement made several a grant to undertake engagement with recommendations for improved and young people from London’s faith renewed delivery, particularly in community, in partnership with Integrity relation to integration and opportunity UK. This included peer led engagement but also found a strong disconnect delivered by young people across between participants and statutory London’s faith community (who were stakeholders most prominently in trained in research techniques) which respect to countering extremism delivery included polling and focus groups across (particularly the Prevent strategy). London with people from the age of 13 up to 26. Small Steps Community secured a grant to undertake engagement with As the engagement was led by London’s white communities. young people of faith, this resulted in an environment where people felt The Programme initially struggled to find comfortable in speaking their mind. logical landing points for engagement Furthermore, as all researchers worked with white British communities in London. in pairs which were made up of different Also, whilst other stakeholders could faith adherents, this engagement also helpfully signpost the Programme to created interfaith dialogue boosting infrastructure allowing access to many interaction and awareness. minority communities, few stakeholders were able to do so around white British communities.

“Young people from faith This innovative and dynamic engagement backgrounds often do not engage saw Small Steps Community reach out in public debate and are not always in ways which would not have been listened to. Previous attempts to possible for City Hall officials. This gather their opinions have achieved included wearing hi-visibility vests and limited success as they have speaking to people in the high street, in been reluctant to speak openly cafes and at bus stops. about these issues to researchers The engagement focused on white employed by public authorities. communities across London (which Young people are more likely to have was not limited solely to white British an honest discussion with someone communities), with a focus on areas they can identify with.” where historically there had been Faiths Forum for London potential evidence of previous right-wing Community led engagement extremism activity. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 25

iv. Time limited, open to all Londoners, “We were able to empower formal consultation opportunity communities simply by showing them that their opinion was valued. People The Programme opened a six-week liked being asked for an honest consultation opportunity which was reply and not taking people’s details available to all Londoners via the helped us get honest answers.” Greater London Authority’s Talk London platform.7 Small Steps Community Community led engagement This gave all Londoners the opportunity to consult with the Programme and also participate in two discussion forums This engagement found small but themed on “keeping Londoners safe from worrying pockets of active right- extremism” and “empowering London’s wing extremism support and broader communities to stand up against intolerant sentiment across London. extremism”. The engagement also evidenced large vulnerability across this cohort to right- wing extremist messaging. “The key thing to remember is these participants are people too. Ideology In total the three grant holders is often inherited, and we should engaged with over 800 ‘hard to engage’ focus on reform, not punishment.” Londoner’s from groups ‘at risk’ of being targeted by extremists. Keeping Londoners safe from extremism discussion forum Whilst many of the recommendations response – Talk London made by these organisations have been included in this Programme, a number, particularly those that span other policy The consultation opportunity garnered areas, will remain under consideration over 1,300 completed responses. and be sent to the relevant teams in The results from this consultation are City Hall. available via a link at Annex 4. The reports from the three grant holders can be found at Annex 3.

7. Mayor of London, 2019, Talk London, https://www.london.gov.uk/talk-london/ THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 27

v. Commissioned research Specialist Advisers

Recognising the limitations of a The Mayor committed this Programme to consultative process and wanting to being shaped by experts, and so a cohort ensure that views were representative of six Specialist Advisers, who have of London’s diverse communities, significant experience and understanding the Programme commissioned of countering violent extremism issues, the global engagement and public barriers and opportunities, were opinion company YouGov to deliver appointed to provide independent advice commissioned research7a with a cohort and challenge to the Programme. of representative Londoners. Sajda Mughal is a survivor of the This research enabled the Programme to London terrorist attacks on 7th July speak with a statistically sound level of 2005 and leads the multi-award-winning certainty to a London view on specific women’s charity JAN Trust, which issues of interest. works to educate communities to tackle extremism, marginalisation and violence The commissioned research engaged against women and girls. with over 1000 Londoners. Sasha Havlicek is the founding Chief The results from this research are in Executive Officer of the Institute for Annex 5. Strategic Dialogue (ISD). ISD is a leading global ‘think and do tank’ dedicated to powering real world solutions to hate, polarisation and extremism. She regularly advises governments and the private sector at the highest levels on matters of counter-terrorism, counter-extremism and integration.

7a. YouGov, Commissioned CVE, https://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/5h3fiq3l43/MOPACResults_181005_Extremism_London_W.pdf THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 27

Nigel Bromage is a former far-right Imam Mohammed Mahmoud has been activist who now dedicates his life to working closely with young Londoners countering far-right extremism and hate. for over 15 years, creating positive He has first-hand experience of the narratives that have led to hundreds social and psychological tools far-right of young people becoming more extremist groups and activists use to engaged with civil society and their identify, befriend and recruit vulnerable faith. His outstanding courage during the people into extremism. Finsbury Park terror attack of 2017, was recognised around the world and led to Shaukat Warraich is a multi-award- him recently being honoured with the winning social entrepreneur and is Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation currently the Chief Executive of Faith and Interfaith Cooperation. Associates a pioneering enterprise, developing strategies, organisational It should be stated that whilst Specialist and operational capacity for third sector Advisers have contributed their advice, and commercial entities in the UK views and challenges to the Programme, and abroad. He has been responsible the content and recommendations of for producing several key pieces of this report have not been agreed with the literature in the fields of leadership and advisers and are therefore independent management as well as community of them. As such the recommendations development. of this Programme are not necessarily reflective of their views in every area. Councillor Clare Coghill was elected Leader of the London Borough of Waltham Forest in May 2017. Councillor Coghill brings rich levels of local authority safeguarding experience to the Programme and is also the London Councils representative on the London CONTEST board. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 29

5. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES BY BUILDING RESILIENCE TO EXTREMISM THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 29

Key findings Overarching ambition

• Strengthening relationships • Create an environment where between Londoners from different Londoners can make new backgrounds and boosting connections, breaking down the opportunity for all Londoners, can be barriers of social class and economic an effective way to build resistance to inequality and bringing those of extremism. different ages and backgrounds together in shared quality • Government cuts have forced local experiences. authorities into making extensive reductions to youth and community • Increase access to opportunities to services which has reduced help people reach their full potential opportunities for quality interactions and feel like they have a proper stake with those who are from different in society. backgrounds and limited exposure to positive role models.

• Boosting a sense of citizenship in schools builds resilience to extremism and encourages active participation.

• Marginalisation is driving inactivity in relation to participation, particularly in disempowered women and young people.

• Some communities in London feel left behind, perceive that they are not benefiting from the city’s success and that change has been too rapid resulting in detrimental outcomes to service provision and opportunity.

• Having a strong sense of security, belonging and identity can be key factors in reducing vulnerability to extremism.

• Hate crime can be a great destroyer of sense of security, belonging and identity. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 31

The invisible mitigation of extremism That is why the Mayor introduced the first Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, The programme found much evidence Social Mobility and Community that by strengthening the bonds between Engagement and is delivering the All Londoners and boosting opportunity for 8 of Us strategy which makes clear that all, it is possible to create an invisible social integration is about how we all resistance to extremism or at least a less live together. It is about shaping a city in fertile ground for it to flourish in. which people have more opportunities to connect with each other positively Two-thirds of Londoners see and meaningfully. It means supporting strong, cohesive and integrated Londoners to play an active part in their communities as effective in reducing communities and the decisions that the risk of people carrying out affect them. It involves reducing barriers extremism, hate crime and terrorism. and inequalities so that Londoners can Commissioned research relate to each other as equals. The Mayor’s All of Us strategy9 explores London is a forward-looking, dynamic, how we can better promote shared global city. Today it is one of the most experiences, support Londoners to be diverse cities in the world with more than active citizens and tackle barriers and 300 languages spoken on our streets and inequalities. Our approach goes further every faith freely practised. than simply integration between different nationalities, ethnic groups or faiths. It Participants recognised though that takes account of other important aspects communities have been changing rapidly, such as age, social class, employment inequality has increased, and our sense status, sexuality, gender and disability. of integration is being put to the test, It is about social integration in a wider meaning that we must continue to act, context - our bonds as citizens, and not only to ensure our differences do not how we interact with one another. breed division, but also to work to build a Many Londoners agreed that through stronger sense of unity within our city. quality interactions with those who are More integrated communities can better from different backgrounds, resistance respond to change, help Londoners to can be created to those individuals and thrive, and foster increased trust and organisations that seek to sow hatred belonging. But one of the lessons from and division based on identity and around the world is that a ‘hands off’ characteristics. approach to social integration simply does not work. “The more we can stop seeing those with whom we share London as 8. Mayor of London, 2018, All Of Us, https://www.london. ‘other’ the better.” gov.uk/sites/default/files/final_social_integration_strategy.pdf Consultation response 9. Ibid THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 31

Youth and community More than 1,000 children’s centres and services reductions 600 youth clubs have closed across the country. Councils overall suffered a 29% The Programme heard that recent cut in Government funding for children’s Government cuts have forced local departments between 2010 and 2017-18 authorities into making extensive – equivalent to £3bn – despite spiralling reductions to youth and community demand for a range of services. services, therefore reducing opportunities for quality interactions The top five children’s services “funding with those who are from different cuts’ hotspots” identified by the study backgrounds. were all London boroughs – Westminster, Tower Hamlets, Camden, Newham, and Research recently published by the Hackney – all of which saw per-child Children’s Services Funding Alliance10 funding reductions of between 45% and found that council spending on early 52%. Funding on this basis fell by 37% intervention services for children overall in Greater London. including Sure Start centres and youth clubs fell nationally by 49% to £1.9bn The Programme was informed that since 2012. Government cuts to youth and community services have also resulted in “Huge amounts of central reduced connectivity for Londoners with Government funding have been the positive role models, such as youth stripped out of council budgets leaders and sports coaches, who would since 2010 – half a billion pounds ordinarily deliver these services. alone in Waltham Forest. This has clearly had an impact on our ability 59% of Londoners think that strong to fund youth and community role models in society are effective services. This is reducing our ability in reducing the risk of people to bring the community together and carrying out extremism, hate crime opportunities for children to mix with and terrorism. their peers from other backgrounds or have additional contact time with Commissioned research other adult role models.”

Councillor Clare Coghill RECOMMENDATION Leader, Waltham Forest Council The Government must reverse cuts and Specialist Adviser which have forced local authorities to the CVE Programme to reduce vital youth provision and community services.

10. The Guardian, 2019, Children’s Services in England are in financial crisis, charities say, https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/feb/26/childrens-services-financial-crisis-big-five-charities THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 33

Encouraging quality interactions and active participation Case study: National The Programme found many examples of Citizen Service (NCS) community groups creating platforms for quality interactions with people who are from different backgrounds, including but NCS is open to all young not limited to, interfaith activity, women’s empowerment work and the bringing people aged 15-17 and together of young people. builds skills for work and life, Others told the Programme that whilst encouraging participants to national schemes were helpful, there take on new challenges and was a perception by some that this had reduced funding opportunities for local meet new friends. providers. These participants felt that more needed to be done to ensure that NCS brings together young local schemes are also able to access people from different funds. backgrounds and aims There was a strong consensus that to help them develop more investment is needed to maintain greater confidence, self- and most importantly amplify effective existing work and support additional awareness and responsibility. local delivery. Many participants told the It encourages personal Programme that there are simply too few and social development opportunities to participate in existing schemes and local providers are not by working on skills like given the funding opportunities to fill this leadership, teamwork and gap. This leads to too few people being communication. given the chance to take part. Participants develop a “We need to create more social action project to deal opportunities for shared with a local issue they are experiences and for people from different backgrounds to be part of passionate about and spend something” 30 hours putting the project Consultation response into action in their community. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 33

City Hall continues to invest in this important area. The Mayor’s £45m Young “One of the ways we have been able Londoners Fund12 is helping children and to successfully bring our community young people to make positive choices together is through our programme and fulfil their potential, particularly as the first ever London Borough of those at risk of getting caught up in Culture. 70,000 people – 23% of our crime. It supports a wide range of population - attended our opening local community projects providing weekend event, and 850 people aspirational activities to help support have signed up as volunteers. We young people to make positive choices, know that our programme so far has reach their potential and bring people made our residents feel like Waltham together. Forest is a place that welcomes everyone and has a strong sense of Recognising and celebrating London’s community.” diversity and culture is also important in bringing people together and Councillor Clare Coghill encouraging participation. The Mayor’s Leader, Waltham Forest Council London Borough of Culture award brings and Specialist Adviser Londoners of all ages and backgrounds to the CVE Programme together. It puts culture at the heart of local communities, where it belongs and shows that culture is for everyone. Now more than ever, the Mayor wants RECOMMENDATION Londoners to get to know each other The Government should invest and feel part of our great city. In more to fund activities which bring February 2018, Waltham Forest (Borough people from diverse backgrounds of Culture 2019) and Brent (Borough of together for quality interactions and Culture 2020) were awarded £1.35 million empower active participation from of funding to deliver a programme of marginalised and under-represented ambitious cultural activities celebrating groups, ensuring that those too the unique character of local people often not involved can take part. and places.13

12. Mayor of London, 2018, Mayor’s Young Londoners Fund, https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/education-and-youth/young-londoners/mayors-young-londoners-fund 13. Mayor of London, 2018, London Borough of Culture, https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/arts-and-culture/current-culture-projects/london-borough-culture THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 35

Schools encouraging and Participants regularly stated that promoting active citizenship education is one of the most important elements in reducing the risk of Encouraging young people in London to intolerance, hate and radicalisation become positive active citizens was seen and recognised that educational by many participants as an important professionals are doing a fantastic job way to inoculate against the messaging in difficult circumstances such as the of extremists. Examples of high-quality backdrop of Government cuts. delivery of citizenship lessons in schools was described as resulting in students However, participants of the Programme becoming active promoters of respect stated that the delivery of citizenship and tolerance for those who are from lessons aren’t standard (as academies different backgrounds. and private schools do not have to follow the national curriculum) and where they “Schools have been cited as ‘neutral’ are delivered the quality is often variable, spaces where personal bonds with only a very limited number of area- between young people of different expert practitioners employed. backgrounds are formed, which eventually prevents the possibility of RECOMMENDATION prejudice arising in their minds.” The Government should invest more Faiths Forum for London to support schools to deliver high Community led engagement quality citizenship content to all young people. Citizenship has been on the national curriculum in England and Wales since 1991, and compulsory in secondary schools since 2002. The City Hall initiative, the London Curriculum14 uses the capital as inspiration to bring the national curriculum to life at key stages 2 and 3. The programme offers free teaching resources and exciting educational activities for students. Our ambition is to be in every school in London, supporting teachers to help their students connect with their communities and city. The London Curriculum is developing new resources 14. Mayor of London, 2018, London Curriculum, in citizenship for London secondary https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/educa- 15 schools. tion-and-youth/london-curriculum 15.ibid THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 35

Marginalisation driving a lack of participation “This is the first time many of these women have visited City Hall. Some The Programme set out from the very rarely leave the local area they beginning that it would be shaped by live in. It is important for them to views from across London’s diverse realise that this is their building too. communities and focused on the This is a building for all Londoners.” importance of hearing from those who were often unheard or previously Community activist ignored, especially marginalised CVE team engagement communities, disempowered women and young people. Young people who participated in the Programme also put forward feelings Through the extensive engagement of marginalisation, believing that they phase of the Programme it encountered were often ignored which created significant feelings of marginalisation strong feelings of apathy, limiting active which had often led to disengagement. participation. Many participants (particularly within the ‘hard to engage’ cohorts reached by the “Young people do not feel that community led engagement) felt like they they are engaged sufficiently with had been neglected and this was causing wider civil society, or that they can many to retract from active citizenship influence the decisions of local and interaction with the authorities. authorities and other statutory agencies. Active communication and “Officials don’t care. engagement between the authorities People feel ignored.” and young people would help create Small Steps Community transparency, build bridges and Community led engagement establish trust.” Faiths Forum for London Community led engagement The Programme was very well received. Many participants commented on how happy they were to have an authority Nevertheless, the number of those willing ask them for their views. Several visited to engage with the Programme is strong City Hall for the very first time and made evidence that there is a willingness important steps towards more positive for marginalised and disconnected future engagement with authorities. cohorts to become engaged. However, the challenge will be for authorities Many participants recognised the across London to continue to create importance of engagement with women opportunities for engagement and who have arguably too often been left interaction which will lead to greater out of conversations. participation in wider society. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 37

Local authorities were seen by many The importance of supporting participants as the logical points for language skills increased interaction and the Programme Many spoke to the Programme about found evidence of some good initiatives barriers to integration and active being delivered by local authorities to participation around a lack of English engage better with communities who for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) feel marginalised. However, participants provision and the Programme met set out that Government cuts to local individuals in London communities who authority budgets have left many were keen to become more active in authorities struggling to deliver anything society but were held back by language above and beyond their statutory skills. requirements, reducing their ability to reach out and engage with communities “If people aren’t supported in particularly those who have become learning English, is it a surprise that marginalised and hard to engage. they often become isolated or only Although, many participants noted that interact with people from the same to deliver upon statutory functions most background as them.” effectively, local authorities must foster good engagement relationships across Community activist their diverse communities. CVE team engagement

The Programme was told that learners RECOMMENDATION face barriers due to the limited The Government should adequately availability and flexibility of ESOL resource local authorities to tackle provision. Participants expressed marginalisation and create platforms that cuts in funding have made it for engagement with communities, increasingly difficult to access English listening to concerns and providing language learning and migrants can information. This should include a find themselves locked out, stuck at a focus on groups who have too often basic level, and unable to progress to been left out of the conversation a proficiency that would support their including women and young people. independence and integration. This disproportionately impacts certain groups, particularly those with child- care responsibilities. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 37

Communities feeling left behind in “Many women come through our modern Britain and the importance of doors with little to no English skills. boosting opportunity There is a huge demand for beginner classes, but there is not enough The Programme encountered areas funding being allocated.” of London where there was sentiment that the area and community had been left behind, change had been too rapid, Sajda Mughal, Head of the Jan with a lack of opportunity to progress Trust and Specialist Adviser and feelings that already limited to the CVE Programme resources (such as housing, community infrastructure and jobs) were having to Funding cuts have resulted in almost be stretched further. These communities half a billion (£490 million) less funding felt that they are not reaping the rewards for ESOL over the period 2009/10 to from a growing and prosperous London. 2015/16. A shortfall of ESOL classes This was noted as driving feelings of exists in many areas and is acute in marginalisation and acting as a barrier London, where over half of providers, to participation. rising to two thirds of colleges, report Through the Small Steps Community that they struggle to meet demand 16 led engagement, the Programme found for ESOL. links between feeling left behind and vulnerability to extremist sentiment in RECOMMENDATION respect to white British communities in some areas of London who struggled to The Government should reverse recognise their place in modern Britain. cuts to the Adult Education These communities are sometimes Budget (AEB) and invest serious targeted by extremists who prey on funding through the proposed feelings of marginalisation by blaming National ESOL Strategy to develop immigration or in starker examples approaches to fill gaps in provision peddling false theories of ethnic and that can be mainstreamed through cultural ‘genocide’. the AEB to better meet the needs of all learners. This should include Participants regularly commented consideration to supporting women that more needs to be done to ensure with childcare responsibilities who that communities are not feeling left face additional barriers to accessing behind and neglected as this can create suitable provision. grievances which extremists seek to exploit.

16. Learning and Work Institute, 2017, Mapping ESOL Provision in Greater London, https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/gla_esol_-_combined_report.pdf THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 39

Extremists often feed off grievances, London’s learners to achieve a range of frequently looking for opportunities skills within a variety of settings across to use discontent to sow their own our capital city. hateful ideologies. Social and economic inequality is often cited as a ‘push factor’ which can drive vulnerability Building on this, the Mayor has also to exploitation towards extremism. matched 10% of London’s AEB with Many spoke to the Programme about European Social Funding (ESF) to draw strong feelings of lack of opportunity in down an additional £71 million to help London, particularly from young people. unemployed people and low paid workers Participants in East London spoke of to gain the skills they need to find jobs being located within view of the Canary and progress their careers and help small Wharf financial district but with feelings businesses to upskill their workforces.17 that they would not ever be able to work there. The Mayor has also launched a Workforce Integration Network (WIN). The workplace is also a setting in which This will help to improve pathways people from different backgrounds can for underrepresented groups in the meet and form relationships. When some workplace. The WIN programme will groups are excluded, opportunities for begin with supporting young black men building social integration are missed. aged 16 to 24 years into living wage 17 employment in London. It will focus City Hall’s 2019-2023 ESF Programme initially on the construction and digital focuses on supporting some of the sectors and will engage other sectors most disadvantaged people, improving and groups over time18 employment opportunities, promoting social inclusion and investing in skills by The Mayor’s Good Work Standard19 providing the help people need to fulfil will bring together good employment their potential. practice and links to resources and support from across London to help This year, the Mayor of London will take employers improve their organisations. on responsibility for the Adult Education The initiative has been developed in Budget (AEB) from central government. collaboration with London’s employers, This incorporates more than £311 professional bodies and experts and million, to be invested annually in employers will be able to apply for accreditation to this scheme.

17. Mayor of London, 2016, European Social Fund,https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/funding/european-social-fund 18. Mayor of London, 2018, Workforce Integration Network, https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/communities/work- force-integration-network-win 19. Mayor of London, 2017, Good Work Standard, https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/business-and-economy/support- ing-business/what-mayors-good-work-standard THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 39

Evidence shows that employers who commit to diverse leadership and “It isn’t just important to have embed diversity into their workforce good role models at the grass management are more successful and roots level. We also need to have have more engaged workforces. people in powerful and prominent positions in society that people The working environment should be can recognise themselves in, giving inclusive, where everyone is treated with them the evidence that they too can respect and feels able to speak up and replicate that success with the right contribute. Good employers take steps application.” to create equality, harness diversity and create safe and welcoming workplaces. Faith Forum for London Their values and behaviours reflect the Community led engagement importance of diversity and inclusion and they actively address all forms of discrimination. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Several participants also noted an RECOMMENDATIONS absence of women senior leaders, or senior leaders from minority The Government should deliver a backgrounds. fundamental review into investment and resource deployment into Participants noted that London has communities that feel ‘left behind’, one of the strongest, richest and ensuring that all communities are most prosperous private sectors in able to share from the success of the world alongside prestigious public the city, can fully contribute and feel sector infrastructure including central they belong. government functions. City Hall to continue to encourage More must be done to show London’s employers in London to do more to diverse communities that there can be support opportunity and diversity clear pathways into important public and in the work place by asking them to private sector positions ensuring that sign up to the Good Work Standard. the workforce of these organisations is reflective of the city’s diversity. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 41

Sense of identity, purpose and belonging “There was a time when I didn’t feel British, I didn’t feel like a Londoner Work can be part of a sense of belonging, and I didn’t feel like a Pakistani (the but it is often a much wider concept. country my parents emigrated from). I There was much agreement across was vulnerable, searching for identity the Programme’s engagement that a and belonging and people exploited strong sense of identity, purpose and that vulnerability.” belonging often strengthens resistance to exploitation including from extremism. Former extremist Clearly those in society that struggle with CVE team engagement identity, finding purpose or belonging will not all become violent extremists, but a lack of belonging or an identity crisis are Hate crime and its effect on identity, potential characteristics which extremists belonging and a sense of security are seeking to exploit. Participants agreed that a strong sense of security is also important “People are no longer invested in our in building resistance to extremism society or country and have nothing alongside identity and belonging. Fear of (to) lose which frees them up to victimisation can create vulnerability to engage in riskier behaviour without radicalisation as extremists often pose consequence.” as the protectors of an ethnic, religious Consultation response or cultural group.

A single identity is often a key tenet “During the community engagement of many extremist ideologies. In a city consultation, we found a clear link of such great diversity as London, between vulnerability to extremism individuals will often have multiple factors and hate crime experienced by BAME which make up their identity. Participants communities.” set out that being comfortable, or indeed ATM – Community led engagement strongly identifying with, the multiple factors that encompass one’s identity was often important in resisting the messaging of those who wish to sow division and hatred. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 41

Hate crime has no place in London and Not only is the perpetration of hate crime that is why City Hall has taken a zero- a potential measure of the prevalence of tolerance approach to it. The lived extremism within society, but it also is a experience of hate crime and intolerance great destroyer of feelings of security, has a real impact on many Londoners. identity and belonging. Participants spoke of the ability for effective Unfortunately, many participants felt that integration work to be totally undermined the prevalence of hate crime in London by the experience of an instance of was higher than expected and there was hate crime on an individual, a friend or a strong majority who perceived that the family member or indeed a member of a threat from hate crime was increasing person’s perceived community. rather than decreasing.

29% of participants had experienced “Hate crime committed against an or witnessed hate crime in London individual can leave that person over the last 12 months. feeling vulnerable, angry, isolated and like they do not belong. This 61% of Londoners think that the can also reverberate across whole threat from hate crime is increasing communities.” with only 6% thinking that it is decreasing. Sajda Mughal, Head of the Jan Trust and Specialist Adviser Commissioned research to the CVE Programme

We also know that hate crime remains heavily under-reported. Many Success in challenging the scourge participants spoke to the Programme of hate crime is therefore intrinsically about a reluctance to report hate crime linked to the ability to build a strong often due to the perception that nothing sense of security, identity and belonging would be done about it. in London. City Hall will continue to lead on work 152 out of the 227 participants had challenging hate crime and has already been victims of hate crime within the committed £1.1 million to fund specialist last 2 years. services for victims of hate crime over ATM - Community led engagement the next two years, including extending our provision of Hate Crime Victims’ Advocates to offer specialist and targeted advocacy for high risk victims of hate crime throughout the criminal justice process, and to reduce repeat victimisation. These services have supported over 400 victims of hate crime in 2018. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 43

In addition, City Hall has provided funding Participants spoke to the Programme to support specialist case work support about the importance of strengthening for victims of anti-Semitic hate crime and the law around abusive and offensive LGBT+ hate crime and have supported online communications where it several further services through our was noted that there are significant Victims’ Services and Capacity Building challenges in securing successful Grant programme. prosecutions.

City Hall will continue to lead the London In November 2018 the Law Commission Hate Crime Board, chaired by the Victim’s published its Scoping Report on Abusive Commissioner, Claire Waxman, which and Offensive Online Communications23 oversees strategic partnership work, the which called for reform and consolidation strategic plan and operational activity of existing criminal laws dealing with relating to hate crime in the police and offensive and abusive communications increased transparency of delivery online; a specific review considering through the publication of our new hate 20 how the law can more effectively protect crime dashboard. victims who are subject to a campaign City Hall will continue to support the of online harassment; and a review of National Hate Crime Awareness Week21 how effectively the criminal law protects and previously has provided resources for personal privacy online. over 80 community events across London. City Hall will also continue the work of the 22 RECOMMENDATION multi-agency Online Hate Crime Hub the first of its kind in Europe - to improve The Government should the investigative response to, and victim implement the Law Commission’s outcomes in cases of online hate crime recommendations on reforming in London. The Hub has dealt with nearly the laws related to Abusive and 1000 cases, and because of the work Offensive Online Communications. of the Hub, victims have been offered specialist services, with around half taking up the offer of specialist support.

20. Mayor of London Office for Policing and Crime, 2017, Hate Crime Dashboard https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/ mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/data-and-statistics/crime%20/hate-crime-dashboard 21. National Hate Crime Awareness Week, 2012, Home, https://nationalhcaw.uk/ 22. Mayor of London, 2017, Mayor launches new unit to tackle online hate crime, https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/ mayoral/mayor-launches-unit-to-tackle-online-hate-crime 23. Law society Scoping Report on Abusive and Offensive Online Communications, https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/abu- sive-and-offensive-online-communications/ THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 43

The importance of strengthening online The importance of internet safety resilience building with parents, many in an increasingly digital world of whom have significantly lower levels There is no doubt that the internet of digital literacy, was also regularly has bought huge benefits to society. raised with the Programme. There were The world is a more connected place, examples of small-scale programmes interactions are easily accessible and being delivered in London to do this there is an almost infinite availability (sometimes most effectively through of information at the click of a button. schools themselves) but the reach of However, the internet has not bought these were noted as being much too universal benefits and there are limited. challenges which society must look to City Hall welcomes the Department of mitigate ranging from financial crime to Education’s decision to include online exploitation. safety content in compulsory health Extremists have recognised the power education lessons where “pupils will be of the internet to promote their vile and taught about: online safety, including hateful messages and have used this as the dangers of talking to strangers a key tool to reach out to people. online, respecting others when posting online, and what to do if they come Parents, education practitioners and across discomfiting material.”24 However youth workers told the Programme that participants agreed that more must more and more, young people use online be done to strengthen resilience in services to digest information and news, what is ever increasingly becoming a moving away from traditional media digital generation to mitigate the heavy outlets or the authorities. Therefore, utilisation of the internet by extremists. supporting the strengthening of resilience to online extremism was key.

The Programme found evidence of good RECOMMENDATION initiatives delivered in schools to build online resilience in young people, but The Government should invest these were not uniformly available. more to support teachers to deliver important work with young people to create resilience to online harm, where possible including parents.

24. Tes, 2019, DfE lays out plans for compulsory health lessons, https://www.tes.com/news/dfe-lays-out-plans-compulsory-health-lessons THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 45

6. ENCOURAGING COMMUNITIES TO STAND UP TO EXTREMISMS THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 45

Key findings Overarching ambition

• Communities and civil society • Give communities the support, recognise the risk of extremism and resources and information they need see challenging it as a key priority for to effectively stand up to extremism. London.

• Communities and civil society repeatedly want to play a greater role in standing up to extremism. However, they often lack resources, support and information.

• There is a distinct lack of opportunities and platforms to discuss and debate the dangers of extremism or issues which are utilised by extremists to promote their cause. This is a barrier to individuals understanding these issues, hearing both sides of the debate and playing a more active role in standing up to extremists.

• There is a lack of coordination and synchronisation of the voices opposing extremism which is often a barrier to encouraging others to stand up to extremism.

• Hearing the voices and experiences of victims of terror and hate is a powerful way to encourage people to stand up to extremism. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 47

Countering violent extremism is a priority for Londoners “All parts of society – citizens, local businesses, schools, community Many Londoners see violent extremism centres, places of worship – have an as a real threat to London and important role to play in challenging Londoners, and countering it as a hateful ideas and City Hall is in a priority. unique position to galvanize the partnerships needed to stem the More Londoners see terrorism as a tide of polarisation, mistrust and top four most important issue facing ultimately violence.” London than jobs and the economy, Sasha Havlicek, CEO Institute for transport, antisocial behaviour and Strategic Dialogue and Specialist health. Adviser to the CVE Programme Commissioned research

To most effectively counter extremism, Communities and civil society want communities must be part of the to play a bigger role in standing up to solution extremism but need support, resources and information Participants agreed that to most effectively challenge extremism, all Not only was there a recognition that in society have a role to play from the extremism is a serious threat to London government (at all levels) and the police and Londoners but there was also through to civil society and communities widespread agreement by participants themselves. that community leaders and community groups are well placed to make a Londoners see the following as difference and moreover have a strong having responsibility for preventing desire to stand up to extremism if given the spread of extremism, hate and the support and resources required. terrorism in London: Many participants regularly spoke of Police (68%) a lack of information and particularly National government (62%) resource as a barrier to becoming more Local authorities (55%) active in standing up to extremism. Mayor of London (54%) Faith groups (54%) Schools and universities (51%), Communities (50%) Community groups (47%) Public (41%).

Commissioned research THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 47

“Ultimately, the challenge of “Empowering communities and extremism is best understood grassroots community organisations and tackled in a hyper local way to play a bigger role in countering by the communities that suffer extremism is absolutely crucial its proliferation. But in order for in tackling this issue. Grass roots that response to be effective, organisations have the relationships communities need to be given and links with communities that no the tools and resource to stand other has.” up to extremism and this includes Sajda Mughal Head of the Jan access to data, information, funding, Trust and Specialist Adviser communication and technology to the CVE Programme support, as well as investment in new forms of leadership.” Whilst the Programme encountered Sasha Havlicek, CEO Institute for examples of good work being delivered Strategic Dialogue and Specialist through Government funding (including Adviser to the CVE Programme Prevent funding) the Programme also encountered organisations who would Many community groups told the simply refuse to accept funding from the Programme that currently the Government or most notably Prevent. opportunities for support and This was in in the main due to perceived particularly funding was inconsistent and reputational issues associated with often inaccessible. This has hindered accepting this funding. Several thought communities from participating more in this was a missed opportunity as many standing up to extremism. The funding of these organisations are well placed to sources available were often seen as deliver work which would reduce the risk restrictive, with overly complicated of radicalisation but also would stand up application processes and criteria which to extremism and encourage others to often made small organisations ineligible. speak out against vile ideologies. There was widespread agreement that more money should be invested in grass roots bottom up delivery which was seen “Prevent has a very difficult by many as having the best reach and reputation, it is seen as spying – the traction in communities. trustees, directors, all have been resistant to prevent funding.”

Youth group CVE team engagement THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 49

Participants continually identified gaps The importance of creating in current delivery either due to a lack of opportunities to learn about and appropriate funding streams, or because discuss extremism and the issues used of a reluctance for some organisations by extremists to promote their hateful to accept Government and particularly narratives Prevent funding. Many participants spoke of the lack of Many suggested that City Hall could opportunities to discuss extremism as play a role in getting the support and well as the complex local, national and resources to those that can best deliver international issues used by extremists work that stands up to extremism and to promote their hateful narratives. empowers and encourages others to speak out against hate and intolerance. “Extremists are always seeking opportunities to utilise issues which matter the most to people, so they RECOMMENDATIONS can promote their views.” City Hall to deliver a small grants Academic programme (which stands aside CVE team engagement from existing Government countering extremism strategies) The Programme was told that the lack to civil society groups delivering of opportunities to do this in a safe projects which directly counter way could sometimes result in people extremism, offer positive gravitating to discuss and learn more alternatives to vile ideologies and about these issues in areas which encourage others to stand up to too often are echo chambers of one hate and intolerance. perspective, promote misinformation, The Government should follow City lack critical challenge or the other side of Hall’s lead and go further, investing the argument and, worst still, sometimes more into vital grass roots, bottom create the fertile conditions in which up delivery. radicalisation can flourish.

There was a strong consensus that facilitating opportunities to discuss extremism and learn more about the issues used by extremists to promote their narratives would build capacity in people to stand up and challenge extremists and counter the false narrative used by extremists around these complex and challenging issues. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 49

In the Small Steps community led However, in the absence of opportunities engagement work, many participants felt for discussion on these topics, that there were not enough opportunities marginalised individuals were often to discuss and debate the issues of getting their information and discussion most importance to them which often from questionable sources and in some included challenging and complex topics instances outright extremist individuals such as immigration and Brexit but also and organisations. high-profile contemporary issues such Participants reinforced to the Programme as youth violence and grooming gangs. that women are often impacted by Importantly these were noted as being extremism, including in different ways to exactly the issues which are used by men. They can often be victims of hate right-wing extremists to promote their crime, groomed into travel to war zones messages and draw people into their where their rights and mobility can be hateful ideologies. severally compromised or, radicalised into violent action. Many told the “People don’t start out as extremists, Programme that more needs to be done there has to be a door opened, an to give women the support they need to issue that they are worried about speak out against extremism. to make them look for an answer. In The Programme met with several women many cases, the far-right understand community leaders who commanded people are angry and offer them a traction, respect and most importantly simple answer. That answer won’t trust within their local communities (by work, but it sounds appealing.” both men and women). To amplify their Nigel Bromage reach, they must be given resources and Founder Small Steps and Specialist information. Participants spoke to the Adviser to the CVE Programme Programme about how mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and partners are well placed within the family home to speak Many spoke of their desire to discuss out against extremism but require the these issues and participants, including support and information to do so. Small Steps practitioners themselves, felt that if such opportunities were available then these could include debate and most importantly challenge of what often included negative stereotypical views and false narratives. Moreover, giving people the counter narrative to the extremist argument would also build capacity in them to stand up and challenge extremism themselves. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 51

“I know first-hand from my “I did not know that Nazis still existed experience engaging with women in Britain. That is very scary, but it daily that the role of family is critical is important that young people are in countering violent extremism. told about these things, so we can Educating mothers about the tell more people how bad their views internet and the kind of violent are.” extremist content that can be found Young person online is vital as they can build strong CVE team facilitated engagement counter-narratives, share those with their children and throughout their communities – being aware of the Whilst participants of the Programme issue of extremism and having frank agreed that views which promote conversations early on is extremely hate and violence should not be powerful in shaping hearts and countenanced, there should be more minds.” opportunities for legitimate debate and discussion on extremism and the Sajda Mughal Head of the Jan complex issues used by extremists so Trust and Specialist Adviser that capacity can be built in individuals to to the CVE Programme actively rebut this.

The Programme found some good The Programme was also told that the examples of platforms created for safe voice of young people is too often learning on extremism and debate discounted. This is despite young people and discussion on the issues used by often being negatively affected by extremists, but these were few and far extremism whether that be through being between. This important work should be a victim of hate, intolerance or violence increased throughout London. or through manipulation and exploitation towards extremism. RECOMMENDATION The Programme worked with several internal and external partners to deliver The Government should increase learning on extremism and related resource for programmes which issues to young people and to enable create platforms for learning about their views to be heard. Through giving the dangers of extremism, as well young people the ability to understand as debate, discussion, information more and participate in conversations provision and challenge around the on extremism, many were empowered complex issues used by extremists, to become active participants in with a particular focus on women challenging hateful and violent and young people. ideologies. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 51

Supporting schools to encourage young people to stand up to extremists Case study: Many participants felt that there is an Votes for Schools opportunity to encourage the standing up to extremism in schools and commented that there were multiple The Programme collaborated with 25 opportunities in the learning environment colleagues at Votes for Schools, to do this whether it be through an organisation which was created citizenship, fundamental values work or to give all young people a better even some of the stark lessons history knowledge of current affairs and get has taught us about the dangers of hate, them voting. intolerance and extremism. The Programme assisted Votes for Schools with the creation of a 59% of Londoners think that classroom product on extremism education programmes in schools and school pupils across the country are an effective way of reducing had their say on whether they have a the risk of people carrying out responsibility to tackle extremism. extremism, hate crime and terrorism. Results showed that most Commissioned research secondary pupils felt that they had a responsibility to tackle extremism.

Furthermore, the Programme found 10,128 secondary school pupils were evidence that young people feel asked: Do you have a responsibility responsible for standing up to extremism to help tackle extremism? and want to play a bigger role. 57.6% yes, 42.4% no.

The Programme also found evidence of The ability for primary aged children good examples where learning on the to become involved in an age dangers of extremism was facilitated in appropriate way was also explored schools. Practitioners felt this reduced with an overwhelming majority the risk of young people being exploited responding that they are well placed by extremists, but also built capacity and to help tackle extremism. empowered them to actively stand up to hate and intolerance. 7,900 primary school pupils were asked: Do you think you can help tackle extremism? 83.7% yes, 16.3% no

25. Votes for Schools, 2019, About Us, https://www.votesforschools.com/ THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 53

Case study: Equaliteach

EqualiTeach works with pupils that they can reject extremist across London aged seven narratives. As part of this, and upwards, in a variety of children take part in learner- educational settings including led, interactive activities that primary and secondary challenge them to consider schools, special schools, pupil the way that different groups referral units, young offender are portrayed and reject institutions and colleges. stereotypes and hate. They EqualiTeach deliver Prevent also learn steps to protect activity which aims to build themselves from believing false young peoples’ resilience information. Second Thoughts to the violent and hateful workshops for secondary narratives pushed by terrorist school pupils provide a more organisations in order to groom advanced version, encouraging vulnerable people to their participants to consider their causes but also gives young world views, understand people the knowledge and the origins of divisions and skills to challenge these discrimination, and helping narratives themselves. to build their resilience to prejudice, hatred and extremism The THINK! workshop is aimed whilst supporting them to at improving the understanding pro-actively counter these and critical thinking skills of narratives. primary school pupils, so THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 53

However, the Programme also found much evidence of a lack of activity in “Our local PEO is fantastic, always this space. Education practitioners told available to advise us and has also the Programme that some colleagues given the school access to some lack confidence in creating platforms amazing programme delivery.” for discussion on complex issues and Headteacher felt uncomfortable speaking about CVE team engagement extremism. Many set out that more support is needed to build capacity and confidence to do this. RECOMMENDATIONS The Programme engaged a significant number of young people who had limited The Government should invest more knowledge on extremism, terrorism and through schools into resourcing radicalisation. Many set out that they which explores the dangers of thought more should be done in schools extremism with young people. to talk about these issues as young The Government should better use people should be made aware of them local authority Prevent Education but moreover need to be supported so Officers (PEOs) so that they can that they can fulfil an important role in offer support to educational standing up to extremism. institutions situated outside the Others spoke of resourcing being an priority areas they serve. issue. Some of the education delivery that had the best feedback from participants cost significant amounts to host and although some schools had some of this delivery funded by local authority Prevent teams, many others had not had the same opportunity.

Those schools in Prevent priority areas often noted the helpfulness of their local Prevent Education Officers (PEO) in delivering or facilitating programmes which reduce the risk of radicalisation but moreover, build capacity in empowering young people to actively counter hate and intolerance. However, those schools situated in non-priority Prevent areas were without access to this support. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 55

The role of faith communities In 2016 after right-wing extremist group Britain First had been delivering so- The Programme engaged with a wide called ‘mosque incursions’ and ‘Christian array of religious leaders across all the patrols’ where they handed out highly major faiths in London. There was a inflammatory anti-Islam literature, recognition, albeit a sorrowful one, that churches across Christian denominations some extremists look to convey hateful, came together to condemn this activity.27 intolerant and sometimes violent ideas through false and warped religious However, faith leaders constantly told the messaging. Programme that a lack of support and resources were a barrier to amplifying Multi-faith participants sought to strongly this important work. underscore that the very best placed to counter this manifestation of extremist The Programme met with faith leaders propaganda are religious communities who spoke of not having enough support themselves but that they require support to create platforms for legitimate debate and resources to do this. and learning. Some spoke of fearing discussion on legitimate, but often The Programme was signposted to some misunderstood religious principles, good examples of religious leaders over concerns of these being wrongly directly challenging extremism. conflated as promoting extremism. Many also commented that they feared In response to the rise of DAESH and talking about complex local, national its successful campaign to persuade and international issues or criticising thousands of people from around the Government policy as they again felt this world to join the terrorist group in Syria risked them being labelled as extremist. and Iraq, imams came together to create online platforms such as Imams Online Moreover, many felt that the best way to and an online magazine, Haqiqah where inoculate individuals from manipulation the false theological arguments made and exploitation to extremism promoted by DAESH could be deconstructed and falsely through religion and additionally rebutted by legitimate Islamic scholars.26 empower them to actively counter these narratives was increased religious awareness. “The frontline for imams in the 21st century is not the pulpit, it is online, Many examples were citied evidencing the on social media, on YouTube, on limited religious knowledge of terrorists. Twitter.” Participants spoke of reports setting out that many DAESH recruits had a Shaukat Warraich Founder Imams poor knowledge of Islam28 and others Online – Specialist Adviser described an over representation of converts to religion being exploited by extremists due to their lack of religious knowledge. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 55

The Programme was told that when “Religious literacy among young legitimate religious practitioners felt people within faith communities unable to deliver information, discussion should be improved, in order to or debate on legitimate religious “crowd out” extremist ideology. topics, extremism or the complex local, They need to be equipped with the national and international issues used tools and knowledge to challenge by extremists, there was great risk that propaganda and counter extremist inquisitive and sometimes vulnerable and hate-filled narratives.”” minds could gravitate to dangerous Faith Forum for London outlets for advice and learning on these Community led engagement issues.

Participants noted that faith institutions were the safest places for the exploration RECOMMENDATION of legitimate religious discussion where The Government should deliver faith leaders could counter the narrative resources to amplify the voice of of those extremists who falsely use faith communities who are often religion to justify or encourage violence best placed and most effective and hate. Moreover, this would again at rebutting extremists who are build capacity in individuals to become promoting hate, intolerance and active rebutters of the use of religion to violence through false and warped promote hate and violence. religious messaging.

26. The Guardian, 2015, Imam network launches site to counter Isis propaganda, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/08/imam-network-website-counter-isis-propaganda-haqiqah 27. Christian Today, 2016, Britain First condemned by UK Churches, https://www.christiantoday.com/article/britain-first-condemned-by-uk-churches/78170.htm 28. The Independent, 2017, Isis: UN Study finds foreign fighters in Syrian ‘lack basic understanding of Islam’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/isis-islamic-state-foreign-fighters-syria-recruits-lack-basic-understand- ing-of-islam-radicalisation-a7877706.html THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 57

The need for coordination and A lack of willingness to challenge online synchronisation of those standing extremism was also evident. With up to extremists participants again stating that they feared reprisals and abuse. The Programme found evidence that more in society would be willing to Only 6% of Londoners would stand up to extremists if there was respond online challenging better coordination or synchronisation online extremist material if they of those voices already doing so, which encountered it. would give strength in numbers to those opposing extremism. Commissioned research

Half of all Londoners think that Participants spoke with the Programme having more people in society about the need to consider the creation openly challenging extremism, hate of a ‘London commitment’ which and terrorism would make people individuals and organisations could more confident in standing up and sign up to. This would show strength in challenging these things. numbers and act as a reference point allowing others to call out and stand up Commissioned research to extremism.

There was a perception that not enough RECOMMENDATION people were speaking out against extremism, it wasn’t being done in a City Hall to explore delivering a joined-up way and that those that did ‘London commitment’ against hate, show leadership and speak out against intolerance and extremism which extremism were often faced with vile could be supported by individuals abuse. and organisations and adopted throughout the capital. Many spoke to the Programme of a fear of standing out if they challenged extremism and the perceived vulnerability associated with being targeted by extremists.

“Standing up to extremism puts people in the firing line. Silence, however, is not the answer to extremism, community unity and education is.”

Nigel Bromage Founder, Small Steps and Specialist Adviser THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 57

Providing communities with Some stakeholders spoke of an the information they need improvement in the collation of information from multi-agency partners Participants also spoke of the need and analysis of risk as part of the regular to provide transparent and up to date Counter Terrorism Local Profile (CTLP)29 information on the current extremism analytical document creation process. picture in their local areas as a way of encouraging more activity. However, participants conveyed that this information is still not disseminated Many stakeholders spoke of an inability effectively to stakeholders and civil to brief out the information they are society partners who might be well given by the authorities due to security placed to react to the analysis by playing classification and felt that if communities a bigger role in standing up to extremism. were aware of the risk, more would become involved.

“If we were allowed to speak about RECOMMENDATION the threat in the local area with our The Metropolitan Police Service communities this would encourage (MPS) and the Government should more people to get involved.” provide regular shareable briefings LA elected member for stakeholders and community CVE team engagement members on the threat and risk from extremism in London.

36% of Londoners think that having better awareness of the issues would make people more confident in standing up and challenging extremism.

Commissioned research

26. Home Office, 2012, Counter-terrorism local profiles (CTLPs) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/counter-terrorism-local-profiles-ctlps THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 59

The power of the voice of victims Case study: The Programme found that the voices of victims of hate or terror are Ahmad Nawaz session with incredibly powerful and can play a role Metropolitan Police Service in encouraging others to stand up to (MPS) Cadets extremism.

The Programme heard from the The Programme worked with Ahmad experience of victims of terrorist attacks Nawaz, a survivor of terrorism and through survivor charities. Whilst it is not now a counter hate advocate and possible to comprehend the full extent ambassador for peace and education. of the pain and anguish experienced Ahmad spoke to Police Cadets in by survivors of extremism, hearing London about his experience and the from them is an incredibly motivating importance of countering hate and factor for others to resolve to do more taking advantage of the education to ensure that these tragedies are not opportunities available in the UK. repeated. Ahmad survived a horrific attack on The Programme also heard from victims his school in Pakistan in which his of hate crime and those organisations brother and 150 classmates and invested in reducing hate crime in teachers were tragically murdered. London. Participants felt that if more Ahmad escaped only with injury after people understood the effect on victims playing dead. He was transported of extremism and hate, more would be to Birmingham to receive treatment motivated into becoming more active in on his badly damaged arm and now challenging extremism. lives there with his family. He is an education and peace adviser and gives talks in schools including More than 1 in 4 Londoners felt that warning peers of the dangers of people might be more confident radicalisation.30 in standing up and challenging extremism, hate and terrorism if they Many attendees at the event spoke had a better awareness of the effect of how motivated they were by of these things on victims. Ahmad’s sad story, his bravery and the importance of the work he is now Commissioned research invested in.

30. Twitter, 2015, Ahmad Nawaz, https://twitter.com/ahmadnawazaps?lang=en THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 59

“After hearing Ahmad Nawaz speak, I am going to talk to my school about what more we can do to speak out against hatred.”

Police cadet CVE team engagement

Some victims of terrorism spoke critically of the support, or lack of support, that they received from the authorities and many highlighted that this provision needs to improve if victims are to be supported in becoming survivors.

The Programme understands that the process for every victim is different, and their journey from victim to survivor should be delicately and sensitively supported. This is not a call for every victim to speak about their experience but a call to better support those who wish to be active participants.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Government should ensure that victims of hate and terrorism are not let down by the support they receive and that their entitlements within the Victim’s Code are met.

The Government should ensure that resources are put forward to consider how to better use the voice of victims and survivors who want to play an active role in countering hate, intolerance and extremism. THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 61

7. SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE LONDONERS FROM RADICALISATION THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 61

Key findings communities, across sections of academia and within some • There is widespread agreement that practitioner cohorts. This includes vulnerable people need safeguarding legitimate concerns about historical from extremism and radicalisation. and current shortcomings and failures, highlighting the need for • Similarly, most Londoners agree that improvements. the authorities have a role to play and a responsibility to safeguard • Some scepticism, mistrust and vulnerable people from extremism. opposition appear to stem from misinformation promoted by groups • Many participants saw grooming as a opposed to Prevent, who seek to key cause of an individual becoming sow discontent in current delivery involved or carrying out violent sometimes through the peddling of extremism both in online and offline false claims. instances of radicalisation. • Exiting an individual from criminal • Many agreed that there would often activity, particularly gangs, can be opportunities to intervene to increase vulnerability to further protect someone vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation towards radicalisation and saw this as an extremism. effective way of reducing the risk of vulnerable individuals being exploited. • There are potential links between misogyny, including violence against • Most Londoners would like to talk to women and girls, and involvement in the authorities if they were worried extremism. about someone being vulnerable to radicalisation but, many don’t know • More needs to be understood about when to do this or how to get help. the complex relationship between mental health and radicalisation. • There have been good examples of the Government’s Prevent strategy Overarching ambition succeeding in safeguarding people from radicalisation. • Raise general awareness around the risk of radicalisation and where help • There have also been examples of and support can be sought from. Prevent failures which highlights that improvements are needed. • Improve counter radicalisation delivery and invest in engagement • There is significant scepticism, with sceptical and opposed cohorts mistrust and opposition to the who fear or mistrust existing delivery. Prevent strategy within some THE LONDON COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM PROGRAMME REPORT 2018-2019 63

Vulnerable individuals need Protecting vulnerable safeguarding people from exploitation

Whilst success in strengthening Participants across the engagement communities from extremism and strands were unanimous in their belief encouraging more to stand up and that many things can make someone challenge hate and intolerance were vulnerable and that there are sadly seen as effective long-term solutions, people in society that look for these it was widely recognised that there vulnerabilities to exploit people towards will always be instances of vulnerable harm and crime. Furthermore, it was people being exploited, manipulated also agreed that radicalisation was or as many who participated in the indeed an exploitation that vulnerable Programme put it, “groomed”, into people should be safeguarded from extremism. and that protecting peopl