The Prevent Programme is part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to intervene early to support people susceptible to radicalisation. The Home Office is responsible for managing the threat of terrorism, which includes the design and implementation of Prevent and the oversight of its local delivery. Employees of specified authorities, including the police, local authorities, education, health and social services, are required to play a role in preventing individuals from becoming terrorists, including by raising a Prevent referral.
The number of Prevent referrals has increased in each of the last four years, with 8,778 referrals made in the year ending March 2025. The Home Affairs Committee’s inquiry into combatting new forms of extremism reported in April 2026 that the Prevent referral mechanism was unprepared to deal with reality of modern extremism.
In autumn 2026, the National Audit Office (NAO) publishes its report on Prevent, assessing if the Prevent programme in England and Wales is meeting its objective to intervene early and support people susceptible to radicalisation.
Proceeding from the NAO’s report, the PAC will take evidence from senior Home Office officials as it scrutinises the delivery of the programme, with likely topics for discussion including Home Office design and oversight of Prevent, drivers of the rise in volume of referrals and how best to meet changing demand in the programme.
The Committee will welcome written evidence on these issues in due course.
Please note that the Committee’s inquiry cannot assist with individual cases. If you need help with an individual problem you are having, you may wish to read the information on Parliament’s website about who you can contact with different issues.
Safeguarding and support
We understand that the issues raised in this inquiry may be sensitive or upsetting. In addition to contacting your GP, the following organisations may be able to offer support or further information:
Mind– Mental health charity providing a wide range of support, advice and information
Childline– Offer free confidential service for children and young people under 19 for help "with any issue they're going through".
NSPCC- The NSPCC helpline is staffed by trained professionals who can provide advice and support if you have concerns about a child.