8 Jun 2011

Britain launches new anti-terrorism strategy

9:25 am on 8 June 2011

The British government has published its updated strategy for tackling terrorism which aims at a better focus on preventing extremism at community levels.

UK Home Secretary Theresa May said a review identified serious failings with the existing policy - known as Prevent - set up in 2007.

Some of the £63 million annual budget had reached the extremist organisations it should have been confronting, Ms May told the House of Commons.

The revised strategy will see £36 million spent and 25 areas in England targeted as priorities.

They include Birmingham, Leicester, Luton, Manchester, Leeds and some London boroughs.

It will also withdraw support from extremist groups - even non-violent ones - and cut off funding to those opposed to what the government calls "fundamental and universal" British values.

Ms May said the strategy would be targeted against al-Qaeda and those they inspire, but must also "tackle the insidious impact of non-violent extremism, which can create an atmosphere conducive to terrorism."