Countering violent extremism

At the end of last year, over 1,400 of you took part in a Talk London survey to tell City Hall about your views on countering violent extremism.

We asked for your views on issues including what sort of crimes you consider as violent extremism, what types of crimes you think are prevalent and what measures you think would be effective at combatting violent extremism.

The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) have now considered the results from this survey, alongside engagement with London’s stakeholders and communities, and have published a report. It follows the most comprehensive and in-depth city engagement on violent extremism, shaped by more than a year of listening to experts and crucially London’s diverse communities.

Key findings in the report include: 

• Strengthening communities by building resilience to extremism – Two-thirds of Londoners see strong, integrated communities as effective in reducing the risk of extremism, hate crime and terrorism. Evidence indicates that government cuts to youth and community services and English language courses are putting at risk efforts to support all communities.  

• Encouraging communities to stand up to extremism – Concerns were raised about a lack of support, resources and information which is holding back communities from standing up to extremism. As a result, the Mayor will deliver a new small grants programme to civil society groups delivering projects that are countering hateful ideologies. 

• Safeguarding vulnerable Londoners from radicalisation – While 66 per cent of Londoners would want to tell the police if they were worried about someone being exploited towards extremism, research also showed 64 per cent would not know how to seek help from the authorities. The Government, National Counter Terror police and local authorities must take action to address this awareness gap. 

• Stopping the spread of extremist ideologies – Research found a quarter of Londoners experienced or witnessed views promoting, endorsing or supporting extremism over the last 12 months. Tech companies and the government should reduce the ability of those intending to spread hate online and increase awareness for the public to refer content when it appears.

Alongside the publication of the report, the Mayor has announced new investment of £1 million to fund a new Countering Violence Extremism Programme, a small grants programme for civil society groups and radicalisation awareness learning for key groups working with vulnerable Londoners.