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More than 150 people reported to Government’s anti-extremism programme Prevent went on to attempt or commit serious crimes – including dozens for terrorism offences – report finds
A National Audit Office report found that 156 people referred to the Government’s Prevent programme later attempted or committed serious crimes, including 67 involved in terrorism-related offences. The findings raise questions about how well the scheme identifies and supports people at risk of radicalisation.
The figures cover the four years to July 2025 for terrorism-related offences, while other serious offences were recorded up to seven years after referral. Prevent received a record 10,293 referrals in the year to September 2025, up 39 per cent after the Southport attack; 78 per cent were assessed as not at risk of radicalisation. The NAO also said the Home Office underspent the programme’s £23.4 million budget by 28 per cent and had not properly assessed Channel, its linked de-radicalisation service.
In short
- 156 Prevent referrals later attempted or committed serious crimes.
- 67 of those cases involved terrorism-related offences.
- The NAO criticised programme oversight and evaluation.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The figures suggest Prevent is not consistently identifying or supporting people who may go on to commit serious offences, while the sharp rise in referrals and large share assessed as not at risk may indicate resources are being spread too thinly. The underspend and lack of a proper assessment of Channel strengthen the case for tighter oversight and clearer evidence that the programme is effective.
The case against
Prevent is intended to reduce risk, not guarantee that every future offence can be predicted or prevented, and later offending does not by itself show that a referral was mishandled. The referrals may still help authorities assess concerns and intervene in some cases; given the consequences of missing a genuine threat, the figures support improving evaluation and delivery as well as maintaining a preventive scheme.