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After Woolwich: can councils protect communities from extremism? After Woolwich: can councils protect communities from extremism?
(4 months later)
As the country comes to terms with the first terrorist killing in Britain since the 7/7 bombings, local government will again be at the frontline of keeping communities together. But what should it do?As the country comes to terms with the first terrorist killing in Britain since the 7/7 bombings, local government will again be at the frontline of keeping communities together. But what should it do?
Councils are faced with two priorities: dealing with immediate problems such as the risk of further violence, and then the more complex issues of keeping communities together and tackling radicalisation.Councils are faced with two priorities: dealing with immediate problems such as the risk of further violence, and then the more complex issues of keeping communities together and tackling radicalisation.
The risk of violence breeding violence was apparent within hours of the horrific killing in Woolwich: a small mob tried to create trouble in Greenwich, there was an attempt to start a fire at al-Falah Braintree Islamic Centre in Essex, and a window and bookcases were smashed at a Gillingham mosque.The risk of violence breeding violence was apparent within hours of the horrific killing in Woolwich: a small mob tried to create trouble in Greenwich, there was an attempt to start a fire at al-Falah Braintree Islamic Centre in Essex, and a window and bookcases were smashed at a Gillingham mosque.
Greenwich, with its diverse population and links with the army and navy stretching back centuries, encapsulates how local government is the place where every part of the community meets. The council's local leadership has been a carefully calibrated mix of reaching out to all parts of the community – from religious and ethnic groups to the military – without over-reacting.Greenwich, with its diverse population and links with the army and navy stretching back centuries, encapsulates how local government is the place where every part of the community meets. The council's local leadership has been a carefully calibrated mix of reaching out to all parts of the community – from religious and ethnic groups to the military – without over-reacting.
A measured response is crucial. With the far right seizing any opportunity to stir hatred – and some Muslims fearful of a backlash – it is all too easy to stumble down the path of "something must be done", turning small problems into big ones.A measured response is crucial. With the far right seizing any opportunity to stir hatred – and some Muslims fearful of a backlash – it is all too easy to stumble down the path of "something must be done", turning small problems into big ones.
Good political judgment built on strong local links is the key. A few councils and their leaders may need to be forceful in their statements and actions if they detect simmering trouble; many will decide that quiet conversations are the best approach.Good political judgment built on strong local links is the key. A few councils and their leaders may need to be forceful in their statements and actions if they detect simmering trouble; many will decide that quiet conversations are the best approach.
Council officers are trained to liaise with the police command structure. Chief executives have strong links with the police through the gold command system, which brings together emergency and other public services at a strategic level during a crisis. This is where plans for dealing with everything from mass casualties to a mass evacuation are held.Council officers are trained to liaise with the police command structure. Chief executives have strong links with the police through the gold command system, which brings together emergency and other public services at a strategic level during a crisis. This is where plans for dealing with everything from mass casualties to a mass evacuation are held.
After Wednesday's killing, chief executives will be liaising with their local police commanders to get a feel for what intelligence they have gleaned and discussing what this means for police activity. Is this a one-off? Is there talk of far-right groups conspiring to cause trouble? Councils will then work with local groups to keep them informed and reassured. In the next few days, many councils will call together their local resilience committees to take the temperature and identify risks.After Wednesday's killing, chief executives will be liaising with their local police commanders to get a feel for what intelligence they have gleaned and discussing what this means for police activity. Is this a one-off? Is there talk of far-right groups conspiring to cause trouble? Councils will then work with local groups to keep them informed and reassured. In the next few days, many councils will call together their local resilience committees to take the temperature and identify risks.
Getting the right messages out is everything. For example, if local Muslims have not been told that extra police patrols are for their reassurance and protection, rumours can quickly provide a more sinister motive. Monitoring social media and responding quickly is vital. Less than a day after the killing, the debate was already beginning to focus on how young men – including converts – become radicalised. While the media concentrates on work by the police and security services to identify and track extremists, I would argue that it is local government that is closest to the problem.Getting the right messages out is everything. For example, if local Muslims have not been told that extra police patrols are for their reassurance and protection, rumours can quickly provide a more sinister motive. Monitoring social media and responding quickly is vital. Less than a day after the killing, the debate was already beginning to focus on how young men – including converts – become radicalised. While the media concentrates on work by the police and security services to identify and track extremists, I would argue that it is local government that is closest to the problem.
Crucially, work needs to be done with communities, not to them. It needs to feel empowering and embracing, not stigmatising and isolating. That means involving everyone and being honest about all risks, such as white racism; it must not "target Muslims".Crucially, work needs to be done with communities, not to them. It needs to feel empowering and embracing, not stigmatising and isolating. That means involving everyone and being honest about all risks, such as white racism; it must not "target Muslims".
In the wake of the 7/7 bombings, the government's Prevent strategy to tackle radicalisation at times risked alienating Muslim communities by sounding like a security operation. But ministers listened to councils' warnings, and the language is now more nuanced.In the wake of the 7/7 bombings, the government's Prevent strategy to tackle radicalisation at times risked alienating Muslim communities by sounding like a security operation. But ministers listened to councils' warnings, and the language is now more nuanced.
Nonetheless, difficult conversations cannot be avoided. As well as initiatives, such as cross-community projects and community champions against extremism, senior managers and politicians will be talking to those in charge where young people go – from schools and mosques to youth centres – and encouraging them to voice their concerns if they see young people starting down a dangerous path.Nonetheless, difficult conversations cannot be avoided. As well as initiatives, such as cross-community projects and community champions against extremism, senior managers and politicians will be talking to those in charge where young people go – from schools and mosques to youth centres – and encouraging them to voice their concerns if they see young people starting down a dangerous path.
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