Response to consultation on the Prevent duty guidance as issued under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill 2014-15

30 January 2015

The Government consulted on revisions to the guidance to universities on their duty to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

Universities are already vigilant and we understand the need to tackle terrorism and, where possible, to prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism in the first place. Universities should also be able to continue to provide an environment in which students and staff can engage in free debate within the boundaries of the law. Open debate, with the ability to challenge radical views, is one of the keys to tackling terrorism.

We believe that the most effective solution is for universities to be able to adopt different approaches to addressing the risk of students being drawn into terrorism according to their particular circumstances.

Guidance and monitoring arrangements should therefore be proportionate and risk-based, and should not be overly prescriptive – recognising that the best universities already comply fully with their Prevent obligations.

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