The Home Affairs Committee has announced the terms of reference
for a new inquiry into new forms of extremism.
There are widespread concerns that extremism is growing in the
UK. Extremism can take many forms. It can lead to violent crimes,
radicalisation, incite hatred and at worst lead to acts of
terrorism.
Young people may be increasingly drawn into extremism. The 2024
MI5 annual threat update highlighted that 13% of people being
investigated for terrorism are under 18, a threefold increase in
three years. 32 people under the age of 18 were arrested for
terror offences in 2024.
The National Crime Agency has warned of the growing threat caused
by the increased adoption of artificial intelligence and access
to online channels without safeguards or content moderation. In
its 2025 National Strategic Assessment, it highlighted “com
networks” which enabled offenders to collaborate and compete to
cause harm online and elsewhere.
The inquiry will examine what is driving extremism in the UK
today, who is particularly vulnerable to its influence, and what
forms extremism now takes. The Committee will also examine the
Government's approach to tackling extremism, including the role
of Prevent, and how well it is adapting to new forms it may
take.
Launching the report, Dame said:
“We are all too aware of the impact that extremism can have on
individuals and communities, and the horrific crimes it has
fuelled. The growth of extremism is a concern to us all. We have
launched this inquiry to understand the scale and range of
extremism and the ideologies that can underpin it. But we also
want to make sure that the right structures are in place to
counteract its influence and help those who have been enticed by
it.”
Terms of Reference
The deadline for written submissions to the inquiry is Wednesday
18 June. Written submissions are invited on the following
questions:
Recent trends
- What trends are evident in the growth of extremism and
radicalisation in the UK?
- What factors are contributing to a rise in
extremism?
- What approaches are most effective for identifying and
intervening to prevent young people being drawn into
extremism?
- What impact are new technologies, such as AI, having on
efforts to combat online extremism and
radicalisation?
- To what extent do ‘com networks' represent a new form of
online extremism?
- How effective are existing interventions at identifying
extremism threats arising from ‘com networks'?
Remedies
- What changes might be required to ensure Prevent is set up
effectively to stop people with mixed, unclear and unstable
ideologies from becoming radicalised?
- Can Prevent effectively manage cases involving new mechanisms
of radicalisation such as online platforms?
- Are any mechanisms other than Prevent required to address
mixed, unclear and unstable ideologies?
- What factors will determine whether or not new Youth
Diversion Orders would be effective in preventing young people
from becoming radicalised?
