Written Answers
Wednesday 23 July 2014
Afghanistan
Questions
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many female Afghan civil society representatives they plan to sponsor as participants in the Afghanistan Development Conference to be co-hosted by the United Kingdom in November.[HL1079]
Baroness Northover (LD): The role of women in determining the future of Afghanistan will be crucial. Therefore female civil society participation in the conference will be essential and something the UK will expect as a co-host. We expect to sponsor a number of civil society representatives—both male and female— to attend. However, the conference format and therefore number of attendees can only be confirmed once a new Afghan Government is in place.
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what provision will be made for sponsored female Afghan civil society members directly to influence the communiqué of the Afghanistan Development Conference to be co-hosted by the United Kingdom in November. [HL1080]
Baroness Northover: Civil society has a critical contribution to make in the lead up to, during and after the conference. The format of the conference can only be decided once a new Afghan Government is in place. However as a co-host, the UK is planning to facilitate opportunities for civil society to influence and shape the discussions and outcomes of the conference, both before and during the event itself. As part of this we will be encouraging engagement by both male and female representatives of Afghan civil society.
Asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether civil society will be able directly to participate and influence the negotiations that will take place at the Afghanistan Development Conference to be co-hosted by the United Kingdom in November.[HL1081]
Baroness Northover: Civil society has a critical contribution to make in the lead up to, during and after the conference. The format of the conference can only be decided once a new Afghan Government is in place. However as a co-host, the UK is planning to facilitate opportunities for civil society to influence and shape the discussions and outcomes of the conference, both before and during the event itself. As part of this we will be encouraging engagement by both male and female representatives of Afghan civil society.
Borders: Personal Records
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what has been the total cost to date of the e-Borders system; and what is their estimate of the remaining capital costs up to completion.[HL1039]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): It will not be possible to confirm total cost to date or the estimate of remaining costs until the binding arbitration following the termination of the contract with Raytheon Systems Limited is complete and we have been advised that it is legally appropriate.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, when complete, the e-Borders system will record details of passports of all passengers on departure from the United Kingdom.[HL1040]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: The Government is committed to reintroducing exit checks. By April 2015, comprehensive exit checks will apply on scheduled, commercial air, sea and rail routes including the recording of passport details.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 15 July (WA 111), on what date the contract with Raytheon Systems Limited for the e-Borders system was terminated and what had been the total cost of the system to public funds up to that date; and when the binding arbitration proceedings on that contract were initiated and when they are expected to be completed.[HL1254]
Lord Taylor of Holbeach: The e-Borders contract with Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL), a subsidiary of Raytheon Company, was terminated for cause on 22 July 2010. It will not be possible to confirm total cost to that date, or the estimate of remaining costs, until the binding arbitration following the termination of the contract with RSL is complete and we have been advised that it is legally appropriate. The Home Office initiated arbitration proceedings on 18 August 2010. The Home Office would like the dispute with RSL to be concluded as swiftly as possible. It is not unusual that an international arbitration of this complexity should take a considerable time to resolve. The Home Office has done everything possible to progress the Arbitration as quickly as possible.
Business: Education
Question
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage the teaching of entrepreneurship in schools.[HL1154]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): Young people need better work-related learning to prepare for employment. This is one of the reasons why the Department for Education introduced work experience as part of the new 16-19 Study Programmes and Traineeships from August 2013. Schools may also include teaching about enterprise and entrepreneurship as part of their personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. The PSHE Association has produced a suggested programme of study as guidance for teachers which includes reference to enterprise, and continues to highlight other sources of expertise.
The new post-16 funding flexibilities provide an opportunity for schools and colleges to promote enterprise and entrepreneurial skills as part of students’ non-qualification activities. By working with local employers, schools and colleges can help students improve their skills and employability.
Many schools already run the Young Enterprise scheme, which is the UK’s largest business and enterprise education charity. Every year it helps 250,000 young people learn about business and the world of work in the classroom.
Children: Day Care
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they are taking to raise awareness of free early years childcare.[HL1170]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): Take-up of the early learning entitlement for three- and four-year-olds is higher than it has ever been, with 97% of three- and four-year-olds benefiting from a funded place. This figure increases to 99% of four-year-olds.
The funded entitlement for two-year-olds was introduced in September 2013. Our latest data from local authorities at May 2014 shows that around 116,000 two-year-olds were already accessing a funded early education place.
The Department for Education publishes the take-up of free early years childcare entitlement annually. This information is published online at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/provision-for-children-under-5-years-of-age-january-2014
The Government agrees that it is important that parents of eligible children are made aware of the entitlement, and supported to take up a place for their child. The Government is providing local authorities with information that enables them to target information about the entitlement directly to parents’ of eligible children. The Department is also working to ensure that other professionals, such as health visitors and Jobcentre Plus advisers, are able to support parent awareness of their child’s entitlements. We are also about to start a targeted marketing campaign to help raise awareness further.
Constituencies
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect to receive reports from the Boundary Commissioners in relation to district and ward boundaries.[HL1177]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Communities and Local Government (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon) (Con): Reports on ward boundaries are not made to the Government. The electoral arrangements of a local authority (number of councillors and the number and boundaries of electoral areas) are matters that are entirely the responsibility of the independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England which itself makes the statutory order, subject to Parliament not objecting to a draft of the proposed order, implementing any new electoral arrangements. Recommendations for changes to administrative (district and county) boundaries are required to be sent to the Secretary of State but the Commission has no such reviews in hand.
Diabetes
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the analysis by Diabetes UK of the increasing diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and the implications for the National Health Service budget. [HL1108]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): In January 2014, NHS England published the Action for Diabetes plan, which sets out how it intends to improve outcomes for people with, and at risk of, diabetes in England. The report acknowledges that type 2 diabetes is estimated to have cost the United Kingdom £8.8 billion in direct costs in 2010-2011 and that these costs are set to rise.
The action that NHS England is taking and will take to drive the prevention of Type 2 diabetes and earlier diagnosis of all diabetes and support better management of diabetes in primary care includes:
- Developing general practitioner contracts and incentives;- working with primary care services to trial and roll out case-finding and decision-support tools in primary care to support earlier diagnosis; and- working with Public Health England to roll out the NHS Health Check programme.
Foreign Workers: Conditions of Employment
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the recent report by the Migration Advisory Committee about the effectiveness of employment rules, what plans they have to review and, if necessary, amend those laws.[HL951]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): This report shows why we need an immigration system that is fair to British citizens and legitimate migrants and tough on those who abuse the system and flout the law. We are working across government to ensure the immigration system works in the national interest and will use the findings of this report, including those in respect of labour market regulation, to inform our approach. The Government has already taken action to increase the maximum penalty for National Minimum Wage underpayment from £5,000 to £20,000 per employer, and will now introduce primary legislation so that the penalty can be applied on a per worker basis, substantially increasing the penalty employers have to pay. The Government will also consult on banning ‘overseas only’ recruitment practices by employment agencies to ensure that UK natives have the opportunity to apply for all jobs based here.
Human Papillomavirus
Questions
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the risks associated with human papilloma virus vaccines.[HL1099]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): As with all vaccines and medicines, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has closely evaluated the safety of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine since it was introduced into the national immunisation programme in 2008. This has involved continual review of suspected side effects reported via the Yellow Card Scheme, evaluation of safety data from other countries and the worldwide medical literature as well as use of the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) to further evaluate any potential safety signals.
The MHRA has sought independent expert scientific advice from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) on the emerging safety experience with HPV vaccines. Details of the MHRA safety reviews, endorsed by CHM, can be found at:
www.mhra.gov.uk/HPVvaccine.
Information on the safety of vaccines and reports of suspected side effects from the MHRA are also regularly shared with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to inform immunisation policy.
As with any vaccine or medicine, HPV vaccine may cause side effects in some people and these risks are described in the product information (the Summary of Product Characteristics for healthcare professionals and the Patient Information Leaflet). Any potential side effects are outweighed by the expected benefits in protecting against the illness and mortality associated with infection with the human papillomaviruses covered by the vaccine.
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans, if any, they have to introduce the human papilloma virus vaccine for boys.[HL1119]
Earl Howe:: The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the Government’s expert advisers on immunisation matters, has set up a human papillomavirus (HPV) sub-committee to consider a number of key issues around HPV vaccination, including vaccinating men who have sex with men (MSM) and potential extension of the current programme to include adolescent boys.
The HPV sub-committee will report its findings to the JCVI following consideration of studies by Public Health England on the impact and cost-effectiveness of extending HPV vaccination to MSM or adolescent boys. It is expected that the MSM modelling study will be completed at the end of 2014 at the earliest, and the adolescent boys modelling study will be completed at the end of 2015 at the earliest
The Department will consider carefully the advice from the JCVI once it has completed its assessment.
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the care received by girls suffering from vaccine injury related to the human papilloma virus vaccine.[HL1120]
Earl Howe: The Department has not made such an assessment. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has closely evaluated the safety of Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine since introduction in the national immunisation programme in 2008. In September 2012 the MHRA sought advice from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) on the safety of HPV vaccine, which advised that no new safety concerns have been identified and the balance of risks and benefits of the vaccine remains positive.
The MHRA reviews are available on the MHRA website:
www.mhra.gov.uk/HPVvaccine.
The MHRA continues to closely evaluate the safety of Gardasil HPV vaccine since it replaced Cervarix in 2012.
Immigration Controls
Question
Asked by Lord Watson of Invergowrie
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what checks are in place to ensure that the United Kingdom does not provide a safe haven for corrupt individuals or human rights violators; and who carries out such checks.[HL1217]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): We are determined not to provide a safe haven for those who have committed serious crimes, including serious violations of human rights in other countries. Article 1F of the Refugee Convention allows us to deny the benefits of international protection to those who are believed to have committed serious international crimes. All asylum claims are carefully vetted and where there is any reason to
believe that the subject has committed a crime or act contrary to Article 1F a referral process ensures that the case is investigated by specialist teams. We will also exclude from entering the UK, or deport those whose presence we do not consider conducive to the public good. There are powers to refuse settlement and naturalisation where there is evidence of corruption or abuse of human rights.
Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation
Questions
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to appoint the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation to the proposed Privacy and Civil Liberties Board.[HL1189]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the proposed Privacy and Civil Liberties Board will have the same access to sensitive material that the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation has.[HL1220]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): Proposed terms of reference for the Independent Privacy and Civil Liberties Board are available on the gov.uk website or from the printed paper office. Creation of the board will require primary legislation which will provide the opportunity for Parliament to consider the appropriate composition and powers of the Board.
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/330748/independent_privacy_an_cvil_liberties_board.pdf
Meningitis
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the timetable for the procurement and introduction of the meningitis B vaccine.[HL968]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): We are committed to introducing this vaccine as soon as practicable, in line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s recommendation, subject to the manufacturer offering the vaccine at a cost-effective price.
Middle East
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning the bombing of the house and private clinic of the Director General of Shifa Hospital, and the Israeli government's plans to rehouse the people displaced.[HL1172]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): Representations to the Israeli government have not been made on this specific incident. However we continue to regularly raise our concerns about civilian casualties in the current crisis with the Government of Israel.
Mobile Phones: Electronic Surveillance
Question
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what powers exist for the police and security services to make themselves aware of mobile phone data.[HL1152]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): There are robust legislative frameworks for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to access mobile phone data for lawful purposes and in accordance with our European Court of Human Rights obligations. There are strict statutory safeguards in place regarding access to data stored on mobile phones. There are a number of pieces of legislation which allow for search and seizure of items including mobile telephones, for example, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), the Terrorism Act 2000, the Extradition Act 2003. These laws only allow data to be searched if the phone has been lawfully seized under a power in the legislation. Property interference by the Security and Intelligence Agencies may be authorised under the Intelligence Services Act 1994 or the Security Service Act 1989. Property interference by the police may be authorised by the Police Act 1997. Interception of communications or access to communications data may be authorised under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
Motor Neurone Disease
Question
Asked by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much has been spent on research into the causes of, and treatment and cure for, motor neurone disease by all publicly funded departments and bodies in each year since 2010.[HL1128]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The following table shows expenditure on research on motor neurone disease (MND) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS—a sub type of MND) by the Medical Research Council and by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) through its research programmes, research centres and units, and research fellowships.
| £ million | ||||
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | |
Total spend by the NIHR on MND/ALS is higher than this because expenditure by the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) on this topic cannot be disaggregated from total CRN expenditure.
North Korea
Question
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what they are doing in relation to the suspected recent firing of short-range missiles by North Korea.[HL972]
The Senior Minister of State, Department for Communities and Local Government & Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Warsi) (Con): The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Strategic Rocket Force put on a SCUD-class short-range ballistic missile demonstration for Kim Jong Un on 29 June 2014. Two missiles were launched from its southeast coastline toward the sea. On 9 July, and again on 13 July, the DPRK launched further SCUD-class short range missiles. Two missiles were launched from the southwest of the country, landing in the sea to the east of the DPRK. No prior notice was given in advance of these launches.
As a result of these launches the UK has written to the UN Committee responsible for the DPRK sanctions regime and asked it to investigate these breaches of UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) 1718, 1874, 2087 and 2094. We have also joined the US, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Japan, in a letter to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), expressing concern at the lack of proper prior notification of ballistic missile launches and asking ICAO to remind the DPRK of its responsibilities for international civil aviation. In response, the President of the Council of ICAO said on 14 July 2014 that he has brought the matter to the attention of the DPRK Minister of Land and Marine Transportation, reminding the Minister of previous correspondence, expressing concerns for the safety of international civil aviation and urging him to take the steps required to fulfil the requirements of the Annexes under the Chicago Convention.
On 17 July, the UK and other UN Security Council Members met to exchange views regarding the DPRK’s recent series of ballistic missile launches. Following this meeting, Members of the Security Council condemned the launches as violations of UNSCRs and urged the DPRK to comply fully with the relevant UNSCRs.
Parades Commission
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Randerson on 14 July (WA 100), whether it is now their policy to answer Questions for Written Answer by reference to websites, and if so why; and whether they will arrange for the information requested to be published in the Official Report.[HL1146]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office (Baroness Randerson) (LD): The Government’s policy for providing information to hon Members and Noble Peers has not changed. Where information sought in a parliamentary question is already in the public domain, it is routine practice to refer to public sources of information, including websites.
The Noble Lord may find this further information to be of assistance.
As set out in the Parades Commission’s annual report for 2013-14, the Chair and members are paid annual salaries of £50,000 and £22,000 respectively. The total expenditure for the Parades Commission for each of the last ten years is listed below:
| Total Expenditure in Financial Year (£) | |
The Parades Commission is responsible for the management of its own budget and, in line with the Public Processions Act (NI) 1998, it is also responsible for the publication of its Annual Report and Accounts. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible for ensuring that the annual report is laid in Parliament.
Parades: Northern Ireland
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the Northern Ireland Parades Commission determination about a parade on 6 July in which the bands were required to play only respectful hymns, whether they will ask that Commission to indicate what hymns it considers respectful; and whether they will ask the Parades Commission to review its communication with parade organisers to ensure its rulings are fully understood.[HL981]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office (Baroness Randerson) (LD): The detail and communication of determinations are an operational matter for the Parades Commission acting independently of Government. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland plays no role in that process.
The Noble Lord may wish to write to the Parades Commission directly on these matters.
Police: Discrimination
Questions
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of recent employment tribunal findings of race and gender discrimination in the Metropolitan Police Service, what plans they have to initiate a public inquiry into how the police handle discrimination claims.[HL918]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to help police forces tackle any remaining internal institutionalised discrimination.[HL919]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach) (Con): There is absolutely no place for discrimination in our society and particularly in an institution as important as the Metropolitan Police. The findings of the employment tribunal in the case brought by Carol Howard are of concern. It is vital that complaints of racist and sexist behaviour in the workplace are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and resolved appropriately. The Independent Police Complaints Commission’s (IPCC) recent report on police handling of allegations of discrimination made a number of recommendations to improve police performance in this area. The IPCC will be working with forces, the College of Policing and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary to ensure that these improvements are delivered. The Government has no plans at this time to launch a public inquiry into police handling of discrimination claims.
Republic of Ireland
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the disclosure that they consulted the government of the Republic of Ireland about the on the run letters of comfort, whether they will publish weekly all the topics that they refer to the government of the Republic of Ireland for its approval; and if not, why not.[HL1266]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office (Baroness Randerson) (LD): The disclosures to which the Noble Lord refers occurred under the previous Labour administration. This Government has regular and valuable contacts with the Government of the Republic of Ireland on a range of issues of economic and political significance. It does not, however, refer issues to the Irish Government for approval.
Reserve Forces
Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government to what extent they plan to extend their proposals for one per cent of civil servants to join the Armed Forces Reserves to other public sector workers.[HL976]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Astor of Hever) (Con): All central government departments have signed up to the 1% Challenge. We are currently working across Government to decide what would be appropriate for other parts of the public sector to sign up to, given the variety of organisations involved. Regardless of this, we encourage all organisations to adopt a supportive environment for their employees who are Armed Forces reservists, and to encourage others to join.
Sickle Cell Diseases
Questions
Asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many patients in each parliamentary constituency have sickle cell disease.[HL1121]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what trends they have identified in the prevalence of sickle cell disease in the United Kingdom over the last 10 years.[HL1122]
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their strategy towards the treatment of sickle cell disease. [HL1123]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The vast majority of sickle cell disease (SCD) affected children born in England are identified by the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening programme, and other patients may present through migration or late diagnosis
SCD is a lifelong condition, and NHS England provides high quality care for patients with SCD as part of its specialised commissioning responsibilities. NHS England’s Haemaglobinopathies service specification clearly sets out what providers must have in place for providers to offer evidence-based, safe and effective services.
Although SCD patient care will be coordinated by a Specialist Haemoglobinopathy Centre (SHC), the majority of care may be delivered outside of the SHC by a range of providers. The configuration of care provision will be based on local prevalence, expertise and availability of service providers, and this may include acute hospitals, community care, primary care and the voluntary sector.
Information concerning the number of SCD patients in each parliamentary constituency is not collected. However, NHS England’s service specification sets out that there are around 15,000 patients with SCD living in England at present. In England SCD occurs predominantly, but not exclusively, in ethnic minority
communities. It is the most common inherited condition in England and around 350 babies with SCD are born each year.
Transplant Surgery
Question
Asked by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what they are doing to promote organ transplants.[HL973]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): The six years between April 2008 and April 2014 have seen a strengthening of the donation programme; increasing donation rates by 63% and transplant rates by 47%. The number of people registering for organ donation has increased by over 3 million since 2010 to over 20 million.
A new seven year United Kingdom-wide organ donation and transplantation strategy Taking Organ Transplantation to 2020: A UK strategy, was published by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in July 2013. The strategy sets out proposed action to increase consent rates, optimise donation and increase transplants.
NHSBT continues to raise the profile of organ donation through a number of other ways. For example, people can join the Organ Donor Register online, through Facebook, by phone, post, registering with a general practitioner, a Boots pharmacy loyalty card or when applying for a passport. More people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are needed to register on the Organ Donor Register and the recently launched Peer Educator Project, sponsored by the Department, training peer educators from the Pakistani Muslim community in Birmingham, is an example of action in this area. The Parliamentary
Under-Secretary of State for Public Health (Jane Ellison) wrote to all Members during the National Transplant Week to raise the profile and benefits of organ donation and transplantation. The British Kidney Patient Association and NHS Blood and Transplant also held a reception in Parliament.
Young People: Radicalism
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their strategy for reducing the risk of radicalisation of young people; and how they will work with schools to reduce that risk.[HL1138]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Nash) (Con): Preventing extremism in all schools is a priority for the Government, and the Department for Education established a dedicated Due Diligence and Counter Extremism Division (previously known as the Preventing Extremism Unit) in October 2010 to oversee this work.
The Division’s aim is to ensure that children and young people in England are safeguarded from extremists and extremist views in schools or in out of school hours learning, and prevent young people from becoming radicalised or acting on extreme views. The Division is staffed by civil servants with support from specialists with expertise in security matters.
Schools can help protect children from extremist and violent views in the same ways that they help to safeguard children from drugs, gang violence or alcohol abuse. Schools’ work on the Government’s Prevent strategy needs to be seen in this context. It is for local authorities to determine how best to support schools in their areas in the light of local circumstances.