COMMUNITY leaders across Bradford have welcomed a charity’s new helpline supporting parents worried about terrorism and radicalisation

The council’s executive member for Community Safety, councillor Abdul Jabar, described the NSPCC’s hotline as a timely and much-needed initiative which he hoped would offer some reassurance.

“We are living through some very worrying times and no doubt many parents are concerned that their children could be lured into extremism,” he added.

The free 24-hour service on 0808 800 5000 comes after a spate of recent terrorist attacks and will provide the first national point of support to parents who might be concerned that their children are being radicalised or who need advice on how to talk to them about it. Until the helpline opened on Tuesday, the only other route for adults to raise concerns was through Government agencies like MI5 and police anti-terror hotlines.

Labour Bradford East MP Imran Hussain said: “The NSPCC is a fantastic national charity which for over 100 years has been working at the forefront of efforts to protect children through campaigns and providing support to parents and children, and I therefore welcome this new safeguarding initiative from them that has been announced today.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies (Con) also welcomed the helpline, saying it was ‘a sad sign of the times’ but was needed.

“Radicalisation is an increasing and growing problem so it’s important to confront it. I hope people who are concerned will use it," he added.

"Parents and others in families are the people best placed to know if there are problems afoot.”

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins (Con) was more guarded in his response.

“The NSPCC is a highly-respected organisation and this new venture could be beneficial. The Government will continue to take the lead through its new Counter-Extremism Strategy," he said.

“However, there are people of hate in our communities and we all have a role to play in identifying extremism, challenging individuals and holding those with extremist views to account.”

A spokesman from Bradford’s Council for Mosques said: “It is important parents are able to seek help without being worried about being seen to be reporting on their children to law enforcement agencies. It is imperative parents get impartial help and advice in confidence. We would encourage NSPCC to work closely and in partnership with local community networks.”

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