More Prevent referrals linked to far-right extremism than Islamist

Total referrals to counter-terrorism scheme down 22% in 2020-21, possibly due to school closures

The number of referrals to the government's Prevent counter-terrorism programme relating to far-right extremism has exceeded those for Islamist radicalisation for the first time.

There were 1,229 referrals due to concerns related to extreme rightwing radicalisation in the year ending 31 March, and 1,064 because of suspected Islamist radicalisation, according to official figures published on Thursday. The total number of referrals was down by 22% on the previous 12 months, to 4,915 referrals, a fall the Home Office suggested was down to school and university closures during the coronavirus pandemic.