The Commission for Countering Extremism has published its End of
Year Review today, highlighting work done by the Commission over
the course of the last 12 months in helping tackle extremism in
the UK.
Robin Simcox was appointed as Interim Commissioner in March 2021.
Those he has engaged with over the course of the last 12 months
includes Ministers, policy and intelligence officials, law
enforcement, and arms-length bodies, among others. In doing so,
he has helped advise on the issues they face regarding extremism
– be it online, in schools, prisons, charities, or elsewhere.
Robin Simcox says:
Over the past 12 months I have been fortunate enough to have the
opportunity to input into the vital work that is taking place in
this area.
Extremism is a scourge on our society and the challenges it poses
are great. Communities divided, viewing each other with mutual
suspicion and hatred. A rejection of democratic values and
principles. A mindset that can justify or lead to hate crime or
terrorism.
There is much to do. The engagement I have undertaken has
demonstrated to me a need to not only increase awareness of
extremism across the public sector but also increase the
sophistication of our collective response. Meanwhile, the
challenges Government faces around engagement, particularly with
groups where there is an extremism concern, endure.
The extremism landscape is dynamic and evolving. However, the
challenges it presents are consistent. I will do all I can to
ensure the CCE is at the forefront of addressing them.
Read the full end of year
report.
