Kelly To Unveil Plan To Combat Violent Extremism

An action plan for forging a new coalition against violent extremism is to be unveiled by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly. Proposals include strengthening governance in mosques, extending citizenship education in madrasas, and measures to boost civic and theological leadership.

Launching the strategy in London, Ms Kelly will say that the Government must focus as much on “winning heart and minds” as on a robust security response.

She will call for increased contact with and investment in community organisations, Muslim women and young people. And she will underline the need for “equal vigour” in tackling all forms of extremism – including the far-right.

“I know from my conversations with Muslim communities up and down the country that the desire and commitment to tackle extremism is there,” Ms Kelly will say. “Success today will hinge on forging a new alliance against violent extremism. We need to reach out and give greater support to the overwhelming majority who are disgusted by terrorist attacks carried out in the name of Islam.”

The six-point plan sets out measures to strengthen leadership and governance in mosques. This will be driven by an enhanced role for the Charity Commission, including a new £600,000 faith and social cohesion unit within it.

Other measures include new training standards for imams engaged by the state to work in areas where individuals are particularly susceptible to extremism such as prisons and youth centres.

New guidance will encourage the teaching of citizenship in madrasas and supplementary schools and local “forums against extremism” expanded from 12 to 40 nationally by next April.