The UK has raised its terror risk degree from “substantial” to “extreme”, that means an assault throughout the subsequent six months is taken into account extremely probably. The change means the risk degree is at extreme for the primary time in 4 years. It got here with a warning from the Dwelling Workplace of an elevated risk from people and small teams primarily based within the UK.
Counter-terrorism within the UK centres on a method generally known as Contest – a key a part of that is the Stop programme. The main goal of Stop, because the title suggests, is to cease folks changing into concerned in terrorism or from supporting extremist ideologies.
As such, it’s designed to ship tailor-made early-intervention geared toward addressing dangers of radicalisation, extremism and terrorism.
In my expertise as a researcher in counter-terrorism research, I’ve engaged extensively with Stop practitioners. I’ve gained an perception into their work, which is carried out with dedication and dedication regardless of constraints in funding and assets.
A Stop referral doesn’t suggest that somebody has dedicated, or is suspected of committing, a legal offence. Somewhat, it signifies {that a} skilled with a statutory “Stop responsibility” has raised considerations about somebody’s behaviour, expressions or vulnerabilities. These professionals embody lecturers, healthcare staff and or social staff.
Latest information illustrates the size of the programme: between April 2024 and March 2025, 8,778 folks have been referred to Stop. That is the very best determine recorded since information assortment started in 2015.
Notably, a major proportion of those referrals contain younger folks, with 36% (3,192 circumstances) regarding youngsters aged 11 to fifteen. An additional 1,178 circumstances concerned these aged 16 and 17.
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The standards for referral are broad, they usually can embody observable modifications in behaviour, expressing extremist views, or indicators of vulnerability that would make somebody extra vulnerable to being radicalised.
Referrals are assessed by a panel that usually embody representatives from training, social providers and legislation enforcement. In lots of circumstances, referrals don’t progress past this preliminary stage. As an alternative, they could be signposted to different groups, similar to social providers, for extra help.
However the place there are nonetheless considerations, people could also be supplied help by the Channel programme. That is Stop’s main de-radicalisation mechanism. Channel is voluntary and confidential, and referrals can come from anybody and from any context. They’re usually issued by the police and training sector.
The help is tailor-made to the precise wants in every case and will embody mentoring and psychological well being help. Participation is voluntary, and people can refuse to be concerned or cease taking part at any level.
Stigma and polarisation
Stop is designed to be pre-emptive – intervening earlier than legal exercise happens. Nonetheless, this breadth can also be a supply of ongoing controversy.
Critics argue that it can lead to referrals primarily based on ambiguous or misinterpreted behaviour. As such it has the potential to bolster polarisation, significantly in relation to particular teams similar to Muslims. This may clearly go away folks feeling stigmatised, underneath surveillance or unfairly judged, significantly in the event that they imagine the referral was primarily based on cultural, non secular or political misunderstandings.
The scheme additionally has vital structural limitations because it capabilities as a time-limited intervention reasonably than a system of ongoing monitoring. As soon as a case is closed, the individual will not be topic to steady oversight. Because of this a earlier referral doesn’t remove the potential of future threat – it merely signifies that the brink for intervention was not met at the moment.
It is very important keep in mind that constructive tales hardly ever get widespread consideration. Yearly, hundreds of individuals within the UK obtain early help and efficiently disengage from radical and extremist ideologies.
Stop operates in a troublesome house between safeguarding and safety, the place threat is assessed earlier than an offence happens. Whereas high-profile circumstances can amplify perceptions of failure, they don’t replicate the complete image. Most referrals don’t result in additional motion, and plenty of end in early, voluntary help that helps folks disengage from dangerous pathways.
On the identical time, considerations round ambiguity and stigma stay legitimate. Briefly, reasonably than seeing Stop as a measure of guilt, it’s vital to recognise its limitations and its function as an early intervention device.
