Radicalisation Referrals Plummet 31% Since Lockdown – Families Urged to Call New 24/7 Prevent Helpline Now

Radicalisation Referrals Plunge Since Lockdown

Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan, head of London Prevent, reveals a 31% drop in referrals from health and education sectors since the first lockdown began in March 2020. From 23 March to 22 June last year, fewer people were flagged as at risk of radicalisation compared to the same period in 2019.

Families & Friends Urged to Speak Up

Det Supt Corrigan warns: “Relatives and friends are best placed to spot worrying behaviour early, yet only 4% of referrals came from them last year.” She highlights the problem as more people stay at home—away from schools and workplaces where signs often emerge.

“One phone call to the new advice line could be the difference between a loved one hurting themselves or others, or getting help to choose a positive life,” she said.

The 24/7 Police Prevent Advice Line on 0800 011 3764 offers free, confidential support. You don’t need to give your or the person’s details, although doing so can aid proper assistance. Trained officers—many parents themselves—stand ready to listen and advise.

Youth Still Highly Vulnerable to Extremism

Between November 2019 and October 2020, London Prevent received 804 radicalisation referrals, 13% fewer than the previous year. Islamist extremism remains the main concern, followed by right-wing ideologies.

Although referrals for under-19s dropped, young people accounted for 36% of all cases. Det Supt Corrigan warns that online isolation during lockdown makes the youth especially vulnerable. “Radicalisation can happen within weeks—families must act fast if they spot worrying signs.”

Turning Lives Around Before It’s Too Late

In one striking case, a London teenager flirting with right-wing extremism was steered back on track thanks to Prevent’s Channel programme. After worrying behaviour surfaced at school and home, the boy was assigned a mentor and introduced to a Muslim police officer who challenged his extremist views.

With continued support, he found positive interests like gardening and academic goals, ditching extremist beliefs for a balanced outlook on life.

Det Supt Corrigan concludes, “Don’t wait until it’s too late. Whether it’s a suspicious comment, behaviour change, or something worse, picking up the phone to Prevent or visiting the ACT Early website could save a life.”