Lord Carlile

The barrister and former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation has previously promised to conduct a “strongly evidence-based” review of the scheme, which has drawn criticism from trade unions and civil liberties groups.

Prevent aims to safeguard vulnerable people from being drawn into terrorism, and forms one of the four strands of the UK government’s counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST.

However, Martha Spurrier, director of Liberty, recently described it as a “misconceived policy that stifles speech, spreads fear and distrust, and encourages discrimination”, echoing concerns raised by teaching unions.

The call for evidence, available as either an online survey or paper questionnaire, is seeking input from those working to deliver Prevent locally and nationally; those responsible for implementing the statutory Prevent duty; civic groups and charitable organisations; and research and academic institutions with an interest in Prevent.

Lord Carlile said: “The review is an important opportunity to take stock of the UK’s strategy to safeguard those vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. It will allow us to consider what is working and what isn’t, and to identify what improvements need to be made. Nothing is off the table.

“I want to hear from a wide range of people. This includes academics and those working in think tanks, community and religious organisations, those involved in schools, colleges and higher education, and people working with local government and the police. I also want to hear from members of the wider public. I invite you all to share your ideas and thoughts on your experience of Prevent and how things might change and improve.”

The call for evidence will remain open for two months, until 11:45pm on 9 December 2019 and the review will report to Parliament by August 2020.