Getty Counter-extremism strategy Prevent has been undermined by Islamic extremists, HJS says

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An organised campaign led by extremists has been using false claims and misleading arguments to scaremonger about the Prevent counter-extremism strategy, a policy paper from cross-party think tank the Henry Jackson Society (HJS) found. The groups have been claiming Prevent only targets Muslims, which has had a damaging effect as it has gained footholds in schools, universities, local councils and politics, the report released today says. Prevent was developed as part of Britain's counter-terrorism policy to "respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism" and to "prevent people from being drawn into terrorism".

a determined and well-organised campaign to undermine these efforts has developed in recent years Rupert Sutton

Public sector staff are taught to understand radicalisation and to recognise those vulnerable to it, with processes for staff to report concerns about vulnerable individuals. Once concerns have been raised, the programme works to provide personalised support to those at risk of being radicalised. The report found the anti-Prevent campaign was not just reserved for extremist groups, as they had coordinated with public sector activists including the National Union of Teachers (NUT) working with the Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) group and the National Union of Students' (NUT) to campaign against Prevent.

HJS The Henry Jackson Society's Rupert Sutton wrote the report

Controversial advocacy group CAGE, which has worked with Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg, also campaigned alongside the NUT, MEND and the NUT. CAGE has been accused by the HJS of infiltrating universities and schools to organise academic criticism of Prevent.

Rupert Sutton, research fellow at the HJS and author of the report, said: "Identifying those at risk of radicalisation, and ensuring they receive the support necessary to prevent them from becoming involved in violent extremism, is one of the most important policy challenges this country faces. "Despite this, a determined and well-organised campaign to undermine these efforts has developed in recent years.

Getty The National Union of Teachers has been accused of collaborating with Islamic extremists

"Drawing on extremist narratives and spreading divisive fabrications, it is vital that this campaign faces greater challenge from government if the public is to successfully engage with Prevent." The think tank has called on the Government to work hard to "challenge the dissemination of inaccurate stories about Prevent".

Europe prepares for terror attacks Thu, August 4, 2016 European Police are staging numerous training exercises to be best prepared for future terrorist attacks. Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 48 Armed counter terrorism officers take part in an exercise on the River Thames