Guardian Article: Anti-terrorism strategy 'spies' on innocent (24/10/2009)

"Your article was wilfully misleading.  Prevent is categorically not about spying and assertions to the contrary damage the good partnership work undertaken at community level.

Our guidance is clear on this point and we will investigate fully where there is any suggestion that practitioners have not been following it correctly. Where necessary, we will issue a reminder to all local partners that there is a clear legal framework within which they must operate and that any information shared has to be necessary, proportionate and lawful. 

Any insinuation that Prevent is a cover for the Government, or indeed anyone else, to spy on people is completely untrue. Prevent is about protecting vulnerable individuals and addressing the root causes of radicalisation. Prevent can only be successful in addressing the longer term threat by working together with communities to develop and sustain trust and mutual respect.  It is disappointing that your article could potentially do much to damage that."