A new international Countering Violent Extremism Hub is to be established in the UK, following an agreement secured by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood at the Five Country Ministerial in Sydney. The hub will bring together counter-terrorism and counter-extremism specialists from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The initiative aims to strengthen efforts to stop violent extremism before it threatens British communities. It follows recent incidents, including attacks linked to individuals radicalised online through harmful content, extremist propaganda, and violent networks.
Ministers have also agreed a new diversion programme to enable authorities to intervene faster when individuals show signs of radicalisation or develop a fixation with violence. This programme will complement the UK’s Prevent programme by helping professionals identify vulnerable people online and connect them with support.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the threat from violent extremists is real and evolving, often fuelled by new technologies. She added that bringing together international intelligence and expertise will strengthen the ability to disrupt dangerous networks and prevent violence.