What is Radicalisation?
The process through which a person comes to support or be involved in extremist ideologies, going against fundamental British Values such as the rule of law, mutual respect, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Push and Pull Factors
Push factors of radicalisation include lack of emotional support, whether at home or even in education, and mental health issues, such as dperession.
Pull factors encompass areas such as bullying, seeking belonging, thrill seeking, a connection to radicalistion through someone they know involved with radicalisation, a want of purpose in their life, and if violent radicalisation then individuals tend to be recruited by people that they look up to.
Who’s at risk?
Everyone is at risk to radicalisation, however, adults and children who are easily influenced and are impressionable are particularly at risk. Teenagers could also be at a greater risk because they’re more independent, exploring new things and pushing boundaries as they grow and discover more about religion, identity and seek a sense of belonging.
How are people targeted?
Extremist groups often target young people via the internet and social media, this process may involve:
- groomed online or in person
- exploitation
- psychological manipulation
- exposure to violent material or inappropriate information
- risk of physical harm or death through extremist acts
Signs an individual may be getting radicalised
There are many different signs that an individual may present when they’re being radicalised, these include:
- change of behaviour
- changing who they socialise with
- isolating themselves from family & friends
- increase in anger
- accessing extremist material online
- sudden disrespectful attitude
The risk online and across the UK
Online
- Our Apprentices largest risk of exposure to radicalisation is through the use of the internet, as they use it to study, work and socialise. We have the responsibility to make their online experience as safe as possible by acknowledging the signs of dangerous and extremist material. Our Apprentices are taught how to be aware of the signs of this sort of material, and report it straight away.
London
Islamist Extremism
- Islam Extremism continues to be a predominant threat and risk in London.
- Self- radicalisation online proves to be the greatest risk as it provides a multitude of inspirational pathways.
- Material linked to Islamist extremist individuals and groups like Daesh and Al- Qaeda, is easily accessible and share to anyone interested in extremism.
Extreme Right-Wing Threat
- Self-initiated terrorist attacks pose the greatest threat to those within London. These ideologies are usually adopted by the young, educated and those heavily engaged online.
Incel Culture
- This is not the name of an extremist or terrorist group, and not inherently violent, but more of an online community that cover the idea that the World is fundamentally unfair, and that sexual success is impossible for them.
- Those that adopt the ‘lncel’ idea perceive themselves as “powerless”, “victimised” and “conspired against”.
- There is little evidence to suggest that lncel ideology is widespread or rising in London.
Meme Culture
- Some memes obviously promote violence or extremist views, but others will only take on an extremist connotation when made within an extreme right-wing forum. Memes are used to gain following in ‘hard to reach’ groups such as women, black and ethnic minorities.
Manchester/ Preston
- Radicalisation activity online and in person continues to be a key risk in the Northwest.
Self- Initiated Terrorism
- This remains at the top strategic priority.
Islamist and Extreme Right-Wing
- This is an unpredictable and difficult area to predict within the Northwest.
- Online propaganda remains a focus for both ideologies with new and recirculated material.
Birmingham
- Russian propaganda, to help support with the war in Ukraine, is the main issue within the Midlands.
How to make a prevent referral
- Speak to a member of our Safeguarding Team, you can find their contact details at the bottom of this page.
- Refer to your Local Authority Prevent Team
- Report directly to the Police 101, 999 or online met.police.uk report a crime
- Contact the Prevent Advice Line 08000113764
- Contact the Anti- Terror Hotline on 0800 789321
- Report suspicious activity to MIS via www.gov.uk
- Contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
