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.