How do authorities prevent radicalism & extremism?

Young and vulnerable Muslims are a particular focus of efforts to tackle radicalism in Birmingham.

Sabeel is one of those in the community who now dedicates time to help to counter extremist views.

As a 14-year-old, Sabeel had thought that a trip to a training camp in Pakistan was the only way to alleviate the treatment of Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He never did go to Pakistan and no longer has those views.

Now, Sabeel volunteers his time locally to help challenge radical ideas.

As part of the Government’s “Prevent” strategy, three million pounds has been made available in the last year for community projects which provide help and mentoring for young people.

Two years ago the Home Secretary unveiled what was described as "A radically different strategy to prevent people being drawn into terrorism".

PC Mohammed Najib works for the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and offers support to those at risk of radicalisation.

"If the community feel that somebody is being radicalised, we can support these individuals by getting a mentor in and in a sense deradicalise them."

But critics of Prevent say it is not working. Birmingham Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood says it is having little effect on those who need the most help.

"The problem with the Prevent programmes that we've had don't get to the hard to reach people. There are still people out there who are people radicalised and we've got to make every effort to make ensure that doesn't continue.”

The Assistant Chief Constable of the West Midlands has defended the Prevent programme, saying it has been effective.

"I think the prevent programme has been effective, of dealing with the most extreme [cases] of this. Is there more that could be done? Can it be improved in different ways - of course it could evolve"

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