News & Insights
Could isolation throughout lockdown drive radicalisation?
Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism chief urged Londoners to be on the alert for potential extremists as he warned a new attack on the capital is likely as the country emerges from lockdown.
Commander Richard Smith said counter-terrorism officers and MI5 are pursuing “800 different leads and investigations” into possible deadly plots and that the public’s help in providing further tip-offs was “vital” in preventing more killings.
Officers are concerned that isolation throughout lockdown has placed vulnerable people at an increased risk of radicalisation as the pandemic drove them to spend more time online and restricting access to support services.
Young people are among those who have lost a significant part of their support network following the closure of schools and higher education establishments and some may be finding it difficult to adjust to current restrictions and being away from friends. Coupled with the uncertainty generated by the pandemic, they are potentially more vulnerable to negative influences and exploitation as they explore their concerns online, or seek distractions and interaction with others.
Counter Terrorism Police are asking parents, friends and family to be aware of what young or vulnerable people in their care are looking at online and what to do if they are worried someone they know is being radicalised and have produced this new video to highlight the issue:
Anyone who has concerns is being encouraged to visit the ‘Let’s Talk About It‘ website.
Inperio (London) Ltd urge all businesses to protect against the potential financial loss of Terrorism. Intervention is much preferable to remediation, but both are our civic responsibility.
