Blears to extend anti-extremism plans

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The communities secretary has said the fight against religious extremism must take on new forms beyond "tough security measures".

Hazel Blears said in a speech on Wednesday that as efforts to recruit impressionable youngsters become more sophisticated, measures to prevent radicalisation must be taken to local facilities, such as gyms and cafes.

She unveiled a new £70m funding package for the programme of community engagement to be led by councils.

"Given the scale and enduring nature of the threat we face, tough security measures are vital," Blears said. "But they cannot be the whole solution.

"We have to overcome this challenge by giving communities the strength and skills to face down a false and perverted ideology."

The minister warned that the issue "will be with us for years to come, and we must do more to support the next generation in winning it".

It is young men typically aged between 16 and 35 who are the most likely demographic to be drawn towards extremism, Blears said.

A total of £25m will go towards strengthening communities through schemes such as educating faith leaders in communicating with young people, enhancing the governance of faith institutions and supporting citizenship education in mosque schools.

There will also be funds of £45m made available to local authorities over the next three years to help anti-extremism programmes.