Since early 2003, the United Kingdom has had a long-term strategy for countering international terrorism known as Contest. Contest aims to reduce the risk we face from terrorism so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence.
It is made up of four areas of work known as the “four Ps”
Protect – strengthening our borders, infrastructure, buildings and public spaces from an attack
Prepare – where an attack cannot be stopped, to reduce its impact by responding effectively
Pursue – to disrupt or stop terrorist attacks
Prevent – to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism
Prevent has been described as the “only long term solution” to the threat we currently face from terrorism. Unlike the other Ps, Prevent is about taking action before any criminal activity has taken place.
It involves supporting and protecting people who might be susceptible to radicalisation, ensuring that they are diverted away before any crime is committed.
The successful delivery of Contest, and in particular Prevent, is dependent on the engagement of national, regional and local partners across multiple sectors including initiatives such as WRAP (Working to raise Awareness of Prevent) and Channel - a national project that has been put in place to safeguard individuals who may be vulnerable to recruitment by violent extremists.
People working in neighbourhood and community safety roles, carrying out home visits, volunteering, working in safeguarding roles or those who are already supporting vulnerable people are often the first to see signs of concern. The help of the general public and families is essential as they often recognise ‘odd’ or ‘concerning’ behaviours at an early stage. It is important to report concerns before the point of crises.