SIR – I agree with the Communities and Local Government Committee’s criticisms of the Government’s Prevent strategy aimed at tackling the root causes of Islamic extremism, arguing that it is being used to spy on Muslim communities and “stigmatises and alienates Muslims” (T&A, March 30).
Only seven weeks ago, the T&A reported comments by West Yorkshire Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison saying how he felt Muslims could do more to identify suspected jihadis, adding “the information can only come from the community itself” (T&A, February 8).
Many have criticised the Government’s Prevent strategy, condemning it as a waste of money. Set up in the aftermath of the London terrorist bombings of July 2005, the Government has spent £90 million on Prevent, according to the Policy Exchange report Choosing Our Friends Wisely.
Many have also asked why it is necessary to spend such vast sums of taxpayers’ money urging Muslims to name those suspected of terrorist sympathies – that is suspected criminals – and why Muslims must be addressed by their faith rather than British citizens, since this encourages Muslims to see themselves as a minority separate from mainstream society, creating division and an obstacle to community cohesion.
Alan O’Day Scott, Stonebridge, Idlecroft Road
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