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24/2/26 Warning around extreme content online as teenager is convicted of terrorism offences

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24/2/26 Warning around extreme content online as teenager is convicted of terrorism offences

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Warning around extreme content online as teenager is convicted of terrorism offences

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A Northumberland teenager has been convicted by a jury for multiple terrorism offences. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, possession and distribution of terrorist publications, following a four-week trial at Leeds Crown Court. Sentencing will take place on Friday 27 March.…

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Navigating gaming, the internet, extrmism

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Navigating gaming, the internet, extrmism

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Keep up to date with the latest news from around the UK at Counter Terrorism Policing.

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9/12/25 Can you spot the signs? Child Exploitation

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9/12/25 Can you spot the signs? Child Exploitation

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Can you spot the signs? Child Exploitation in the community

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Child Exploitation is not only a safeguarding issue. It is a community issue. Can you spot the signs of child exploitation in the video?

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1/12/25 New National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism

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1/12/25 New National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism

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New National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism

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Government delivers on promise to honour victims and survivors of terrorism by establishing a new annual national day, with inaugural day on 21 August 2026.

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This SCaN For All Staff module is designed for all members of staff across an organisation venue or event, to increase their awareness of hostile reconnaissance and how they can help to counter it.

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This SCaN For All Staff module is designed for all members of staff across an organisation venue or event, to increase their awareness of hostile reconnaissance and how they can help to counter it.

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This module is designed for all members of staff across an organisation venue or event, to increase their awareness of hostile reconnaissance and how they can help to help counter it

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Our Shore website is a safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour. 

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Our Shore website is a safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour. 

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Our Shore website is a safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour. Up to half of child sexual abuse is carried out by under-18s. To tackle that, we give teenagers a safe and anonymous place to get help and support. It’s for anyone who: has questions about healthy sexual relationships wants to change their […]

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It’s important to be alert, but not alarmed. With a little bit of knowledge you can increase your safety and know what to do if you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right.

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Counter Terrorism Policing wants live music fans to #BeSafeBeSound, as it collaborates with the UK's biggest music venues, arena's and festivals to deliver vital safety advice to the public.
Are you heading to a gig or festival? Have an amazing time, but if you see something that doesn't feel right, report it to security staff straight away.

Here are some quick tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable time.

Arrive early for extra security measures. This will help prevent delays in getting into the event.

Be patient with security checks and don't give security, staff or stewards a hard time. It might seem inconvenient, but these measures are in place to help you.

It is essential that you don't bring unnecessary items to the event; this will help to speed up searches and your entry to the event.

If you spot someone acting suspiciously, report it to police or to security staff immediately: don't leave it to someone else.

In an emergency, if you think there is an immediate risk, always call 999 and look around you for help from staff - especially those with radios who can raise the alarm quickly.

Don't leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare. And never agree to look after anyone else's bags, no matter how genuine they seem.

If there is an incident, listen to staff and any announcements.

Remember, the chance of being caught in a terrorism incident is small. But if it happens - Run, Hide, Tell.

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Heading to a festival, event, or going abroad on holiday this summer? Knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives. Find out more information here.

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23/7/25 Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, and the National Crime Agency deliver summer holiday warning to parents

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23/7/25 Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, and the National Crime Agency deliver summer holiday warning to parents

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For the first time, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), MI5, and the National Crime Agency (NCA) are jointly calling on parents and carers to support their children to be safer online during the summer break.
In an unprecedented move, the three agencies have delivered a public warning to parents that online offenders will exploit the school holidays to engage in criminal acts with young people when they know less support is readily available.

Counter Terrorism Policing's Senior National Coordinator for Prevent and Pursue, Vicki Evans, said:

"We know parents care deeply about keeping their children safe online and given the ever-developing digital world it can feel like an uphill battle.

"We want parents to empower their children to know what to do if they come across inappropriate content online.

"We of course encourage parents to activate parental controls on routers, devices, and apps, but this should be alongside conversations that give young people the tools and strategies to make the right decisions when online.

"If you haven't already, please start the conversation about online safety as soon as possible."

Counter Terrorism Policing and the National Crime Agency are increasingly seeing children being routinely exposed to the most serious harmful online content.

This includes sexual violence; self-harm and suicide content; extreme gore; animal cruelty; indecent images of children; and terrorist content.

This bombardment of online harms can quickly become normalised. Worryingly, some of the children who come to the attention of CTP and the NCA are completely desensitised to extreme and obscene content.

The National Crime Agency's Director of Threat Leadership, Alexander Murray, said:

"As outlined in our recent threat assessment, there is a fast-growing threat from sadistic and violent online gangs, made up predominantly of teenage boys, dedicated to inflicting harm and committing a range of criminality which includes fraud, cyber, child sexual abuse, violence and extremism/terror related offences.

"They are international and operate across multiple channels, including messaging apps, gaming platforms and other online forums.

"We are working closely with our partners in response to this complex threat, but we recommend that adults take time to understand the online lives of young people to help prevent them falling victim to these networks."

Counter Terrorism Policing and MI5 are seeing high levels of young people in terrorism-related investigations and 2023 saw the highest numbers of terrorism arrests of young people since records began.

MI5's Director General, Sir Ken McCallum said:

"In 2024 I said that 13% of all those investigated by MI5 for involvement in terrorism were under 18. That deeply concerning presence of young people in our casework continues to this day.

"In a few short clicks, young people can be speaking to dangerous radicalising terrorists online, consuming violent and extremist content. Terrorists who understand online culture are using slick propaganda to pull young people down a dangerous and potentially life-changing path."

Of the 219 people arrested for terrorism-related offences in 2023, 42 were aged 17 or under, meaning one in five terrorism arrests involved a child or young person.

In 2024, this slightly decreased, with 39 young people aged 17 or under arrested for terrorism-related offences.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Evans continued:

"Unfortunately, every year, we arrest children for terrorism offences, which tend to come about after they are led down the wrong path by extremists seeking to use the internet to target those whose age makes them vulnerable, or as a result of accessing harmful abhorrent content online.

"A significant proportion of their parents were unaware of their child's online activity - who they talked to, the content they viewed, and the sites and platforms they used.

"With the summer holidays now under way and children spending more time online, we're asking parents and carers to have conversations with the young people in their lives about what they are doing online and who they are speaking to."

"None of my colleagues started working in counter terrorism thinking they would be investigating and arresting children as young as 12 for terrorism offences.

"The online environment can be a sanctuary for children to socialise and form strong bonds but for all the benefits it brings, the internet has also globalised extremism. It has accelerated the spread of hateful ideologies internationally and made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to reach into the lives of children halfway round the world."

Last year, the leaders of counter terrorism for the 'Five Eyes' nations called for immediate international action to fight the growing threat to children posed by online extremism.

For the first time ever, the alliance published a public facing paper calling for collective action from the public, governments and the tech industry to tackle the problem. The paper highlighted that 'once law enforcement and security agencies become involved it is often too late'.

Internet Matters provides practical advice to parents on how to help their children navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.

Parents and carers can access information and advice specific to their child's age, the apps they use, or the issue they wish to address.

Anyone can report extremist or terrorist online content online at gov.uk/report-terrorism

If you're concerned that someone might be taking a dangerous path, get advice and support via ACT Early.

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Counter Terrorism Policing, MI5, and the National Crime Agency deliver summer holiday warning to parents

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For the first time, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), MI5, and the National Crime Agency (NCA) are jointly calling on parents and carers to support their children to be safer online during the summer break. In an unprecedented move, the three agencies have delivered a public warning to parents that online offenders will exploit the school...

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Since the proscription of Palestine Action on 5th July 2025 a significant number of arrests have been made by UK policing for suspected offences under the Terrorism Act. As of today (7th August) 10 people have been charged, with further investigations being progressed through the criminal justice system. Counter Terrorism Policing and forces across the…

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2/9/25 Teenage boy from Shropshire sentenced

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2/9/25 Teenage boy from Shropshire sentenced

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A 15-year-old boy – who cannot be named due to his age – has received an 18 month sentence following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands and found to have collected a range of potentially lethal weapons and researched planning terrorism attacks.

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15/7/25 Watch: new Martyn’s Law explainer video

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15/7/25 Watch: new Martyn’s Law explainer video

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Watch: new Martyn’s Law explainer video | ProtectUK

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The Home Office has released a short video designed to educate viewers on the scope and requirements of the new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, known as Martyn’s Law.

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Follow ProtectUK on LinkedIn | ProtectUK

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Did you know ProtectUK has its own LinkedIn page?

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Firearms & Weapons Attack I Run, Hide, Tell

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13/5/25 Contextual Safeguarding: Re-writing the rules of child protection

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13/5/25 Contextual Safeguarding: Re-writing the rules of child protection

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Contextual Safeguarding: Re-writing the rules of child protection

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In this groundbreaking talk Dr Firmin, the founder of Contextual Safeguarding outlines three things. One: how contexts beyond families are associated with abuse. Two: how traditional child protection systems fail to engage with these contextual dynamics. Three: the components of the Contextual Safeguarding system that would redefine what child protection means. With special thanks to core the TEDxTottenham organising team, volunteers and cherished partners - without you this experience would not be possible. Our event history can be found at TEDxTottenham.com. Intro Music - “Rain” by Alicia Grace(produced by Stevey Reid) In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organised events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organised TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organised.

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9/4/25 Martyn's Law receives Royal Assent: what does this mean for your business?

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9/4/25 Martyn's Law receives Royal Assent: what does this mean for your business?

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Martyn’s Law receives Royal Assent: what does this mean for your business?

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The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2023, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.

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3/3/25 Landmark anti-terror legislation gains Royal Assent

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3/3/25 Landmark anti-terror legislation gains Royal Assent

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Landmark anti-terror legislation gains Royal Assent

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Martyn’s Law will deliver increased protection by ensuring public premises and events are better prepared in the event of a terrorist attack.

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3/3/25 Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse

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3/3/25 Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse

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Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in England: update on the government’s proposed plan | NSPCC Learning

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What are the latest government plans for a mandatory duty in England to report known or suspected child sexual abuse?

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Netflix Subscription Needed, Series -The Walk In

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Netflix Subscription Needed, Series -The Walk In

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The number of trials against neo-Nazi individuals in the UK show why racial nationalism is still alive in the country.

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3/12/24 Counter Terrorism Policing's Winter campaign

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3/12/24 Counter Terrorism Policing's Winter campaign

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Unfortunately, we know that these events and venues could be attractive targets for terrorist activity. That's why Counter Terrorism Policing is collaborating with event organisers and businesses across the UK to help keep the public safe this winter.

The winter vigilance campaign is now in its fourth year, and over that period, has reassured and encouraged members of the public, when attending Christmas festivities over the winter period, to trust their instincts and tell staff, security or police or report online if something doesn't feel right.

Over the years, CT Policing's campaigns have reached millions of people. Promoting the winter campaign is also a powerful way of using communications as an extra layer of protective security for businesses and venues, at no extra cost.

Recent results from CTPHQ's summer 2024 campaign showed that members of the public felt 'there is a need to increase general security at venues, major events and on busy high streets with more than three quarters of the respondents saying 'businesses and venues need to assure their customers that they are taking extra security precautions.'

You can play your part by promoting the campaign using the new toolkit launched on

The toolkit includes free content for event organisers, venues and businesses to use on their websites, social media channels, big screens and more. It has content tailored for specific channels, such as digital screens around Christmas markets and football stadiums, social media content and posters for internal use or at venues.

We encourage you to share the content on your social media channels, on the big screens at your events, on posters at your venue, in email correspondence with your visitors and on your website.

A huge thank you to those who have already started using our assets. By sharing our content and vigilance messaging we are ensuring that the wider public are aware of what to do if they see something that doesn't feel right and helping keep everyone safe.

Together we can help to keep the public safe this winter.

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Counter Terrorism Policing's winter campaign launched to keep the public safe this winter

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This winter will see millions of people across the UK enjoying themselves at Christmas parties, markets and heading out to the high street.

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Newcastle Man Sentenced for Offensive Tweets

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A 25-year-old man from Newcastle-upon-Tyne has been sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, after posting a series of offensive tweets.

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The ingress and egress phase of venue operations is a time when customers and members of the public may be most vulnerable. Considering the safety and security of staff and visitors is an essential task for those responsible for any premises. Recognising vulnerabilities in these situations and striving to reduce them is a fundamental part of protective security planning.

NPSA's 'Mitigation of terrorist threats at venues during ingress and egress' guidance aims to highlight the primary security concerns arising during the ingress and egress phases of venue operations. It subsequently details various strategies for mitigating the related risks.

The guidance outlines potential vulnerabilities during ingress and egress and then provides a scalable approach to security regimes, from a basic design to more complex solutions. It covers:

Crowding during ingress and egress

Key components of reducing risk

Understanding potential threats

Identifying vulnerabilities during ingress and egress

Control measures to be considered when looking to reduce risk

The importance of recording security processes, testing, reviewing and revising

Through an example, shows how control measures may be applied at a venue

The guidance can be applied to any venue where crowds are likely to form, ranging from stadia, concert venues and exhibition centres through to nightclubs, shopping malls and even temporary sites that are set up for short periods such as festivals.

To learn more visit NPSA - Mitigation of Terrorist Threats at Venues during Ingress and Egress Guidance or to Download Mitigation of Terrorist Threats at Venues during Ingress and Egress PDF.

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This guidance aims to highlight the primary security concerns arising during the ingress and egress phases of venue operations. It will subsequently outline various strategies for mitigating the related risks. Recognising vulnerabilities in these situations and striving to reduce them is a fundamental part of protective security planning and an essential task for those with responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of staff and visitors.

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18/6/24 E-learning awareness course 1 hour

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18/6/24 E-learning awareness course 1 hour

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Martyn’s Law overview and what you need to know | ProtectUK

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Martyn’s Law will improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK by mandating, for the first time, those responsible for certain premises and events to consider the terrorist risk and how they would respond to an attack.

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Immersive Reader in Microsoft Forms allows you to hear the text of a form title and questions read out loud while following along. You can find the Immersive Reader button next to form title or questions after activating this control. You can also change the spacing of line and words to make them easier to read, highlight parts of speech and syllables, select single words or lines of words read aloud, and select language preferences.

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Counter Terrorism Policing News Page updated regularly

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Counter Terrorism Policing News Page updated regularly

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Keep up to date with the latest news from around the UK at Counter Terrorism Policing.

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15/5/24 The importance of disclosing information

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15/5/24 The importance of disclosing information

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A 49-year-old female from Leeds has today, Tuesday May 14, 2024, been found guilty of terrorism offences at Leeds Crown Court.
Nabeela Anjum (19/04/1976) from Upland Road in Roundhay was charged with two offences of Failing to Disclose Information about Acts of Terrorism to the police contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000.

She has been bailed pending sentencing. A date has yet to be confirmed.

Nabeela ANJUM was charged by Counter Terrorism Policing North East in October 2023 after police produced a chronological timeline of WhatsApp messages and calls evidencing that she had failed to disclose information relating to a terror attack.

Nabeela AMJUM became aware that her teenage son, Sameer ANJUM, had become radicalised, held extremist Islamist beliefs and was viewing terrorist propaganda. He was also in contact with a London based individual, who had obtained chemicals which he intended to use to construct a bomb. Nabeela, was aware of this information and failed to disclose this to the police.

The London based nominal, Al Arfat HASSAN, appeared at The Old Bailey on November 10, 2023 and, after an investigation by the Met Police, pleaded guilty to having 500ml of Acetone and 750 ml Hydrogen Peroxide articles in his possession for a purpose connected with an act of terrorism (contrary to S57 of the Terrorism Act 2000).

Nabeela's son, Sameer, was also prosecuted, and given a custodial sentence, for not disclosing to the police Al Arfat HASSAN's terrorist intentions relating to the chemicals.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: "This demonstrates how important it is to report serious information to the police. We are all under a legal duty to report to the police any information which we know or believe might be of assistance in preventing an act of terrorism.

"You may think that you are helping and protecting someone by withholding information, but you are not, and it can make things worse.

"We ask that if you are concerned about anyone or you've spotted worrying behaviour then please call the national Police Prevent Advice Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, and our specially trained Prevent officers will listen carefully to your concerns.

"Family and friends are best placed to know when something doesn't feel right. By seeking support at an early stage, together we can prevent them from being drawn into harmful groups or activities and help them choose a different path.

"You can also report online material which promotes terrorism, extremism or violence, in confidence, at www.gov.uk/report-terrorism."

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Mother Convicted for Not Telling Police About Terror Plot

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A 49 year old mum from Roundhay has been found guilty of Failing to Disclose Information about Acts of Terrorism to police.

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15/5/24 Lets Discuss Extreme Right- Wing

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15/5/24 Lets Discuss Extreme Right- Wing

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15/5/24 Lets Discuss Fundamental British Values

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15/5/24 Lets Discuss Fundamental British Values

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Let's Discuss: Fundamental British Values

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13/5/24 Podcast How do we protect teenagers from sextortion scams?

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13/5/24 Podcast How do we protect teenagers from sextortion scams?

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On the evening of 29 December, 16-year-old Murray Dowey was with his family in their home in Dunblane, Scotland. As they sat together watching TV, Murray talked about saving up money for a summer holiday with his friends.

At about 9.30pm, he went up to his bedroom.

"That was the last time I saw him alive," says Ros Dowey, Murray's mother.

That night, he was targeted by a sextortion scammer, and took his own life.

"He was duped into thinking he was talking to a young girl and shared an intimate picture with her," Ros tells the Guardian's Scotland correspondent, Libby Brooks. "As soon as he did that, it became very clear it wasn't a young girl he was speaking to, it was criminals in Nigeria who immediately started to extort [him] ... and threatening to share the picture with all his contacts."

Murray's parents, Ros and Mark, are now raising awareness of the crime, in which young men are often targeted. They argue that more needs to be done by social media companies to protect teenagers like Murray.

"We've spoken lots about the dangers of social media and I've always warned that you don't know who you're speaking to," Ros says. "So we'd had those chats. It's not like we didn't talk, we were a very open family.

"That's the hardest thing to deal with, he didn't just come through. But having looked into the issue of sextortion, the scammers are relentless ... they just get the kids into such a frenzied panic."
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@ samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 988 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org

The Guardian is editorially independent. And we want to keep our journalism open and accessible to all. But we increasingly need our readers to fund our work.

Support The Guardian

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How do we protect teenagers from sextortion scams? - podcast

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Murray Dowey, a 16-year-old from Dunblane, was targeted by a sextortion scammer in the hours before he took his own life. Now his parents are raising awareness of this increasingly prevalent crime. Libby Brooks reports

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13/5/24 Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse

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13/5/24 Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse

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The Government has set out its plans for a mandatory duty in England to report known or suspected child sexual abuse

Why has the government put forward these proposals?

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) found that disclosures of child sexual abuse to a responsible adult didn't always lead to action being taken. Protecting the reputation of an individual or institution was sometimes prioritised over the safety of children.

In response to this, IICSA proposed that a mandatory reporting duty should be introduced for those working or volunteering with children to report child sexual abuse.

The Government responded to this recommendation by conducting a consultation on proposals for a mandatory reporting duty, which closed on 30 November 2023.

On 9 May 2024 the Home Office published its response to the consultation, setting out its proposals for a new duty to report child sexual abuse.

What is the proposed duty?

The duty to report child sex offences intends to make it a legal requirement for people engaging in 'relevant activity' in England to report child sexual abuse to the police or local authority when:

they are told about it by a child or the person who has carried out the abuse

they witness the abuse happening.

'Relevant activity' includes all regulated activity, and a list of other specified activities.

Under the proposals, there will not be criminal penalties attached to failing to report under the duty. Instead, the focus will be on referring individuals to the Disclosure and Barring Service and relevant professional regulators.

However, anyone who seeks to cover up abuse or seeks to obstruct a reporter from carrying out their duty to report could face imprisonment.

The Government intends to introduce the duty as an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill (PDF). The draft legislation also sets out a number of proposed exemptions where the duty to report would not be triggered. Details of the duty may change as legislation progresses through Parliament.

What are the next steps?

Once the Criminal Justice Bill receives Royal Assent, the government will produce guidance to provide more details about what individuals will need to do under the new duty and the role of organisations in supporting their staff and volunteers to comply.

There will be an implementation period so that impacted sectors have time to consider any training and materials needed to support their workforces in delivering the duty and improving their response to child sexual abuse.

The impact of the duty on outcomes for children and young people and on system operations will be evaluated after a specified period following its implementation.

How will the proposed duty affect people working with children?

Anyone working with children should have robust safeguarding policies and procedures so that individuals, organisations, staff and volunteers know what to do if they have a concern about a child.

The proposed duty is an additional measure designed to ensure that information about child sexual abuse is shared with the relevant agencies, so that appropriate action can be taken to safeguard and support the child involved.

Organisations will need to understand how the new duty applies to staff and volunteers who are working with children, and how to integrate the additional reporting requirements into their existing policies, procedures and processes.

How the NSPCC can support you

The NSPCC is here to support you with all your safeguarding needs. Whether you are starting out or looking to review and improve we offer expert safeguarding and child protection training, resources and consultancy to help organisations and individuals protect children from abuse and neglect.

Our series of free sector-specific webinars will discuss the proposed mandatory reporting duty to support you in understanding the duty and its potential implications for your setting.
> Book your place today
Subscribe to our monthly NSPCC Learning email newsletter for updates on the support and resources we're providing.
> Sign up to the NSPCC Learning newsletter

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Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse | NSPCC Learning

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The Government has set out its plans for a mandatory duty in England to report known or suspected child sexual abuse.

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The e-learning course is aimed at those working in education settings focusing on embedding a security minded culture, identifying security vulnerabilities and suspicious activity and responding to incidents.

The non-statutory guidance includes advice on developing response plans, testing and exercising and communications, and is aimed at all those who have responsibilities for keeping learners safe and security leads.

Visit ProtectUK at the following link ACT for Education to gain access to both resources. Alternatively the guidance will also be hosted on the .Gov website.

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The Department for Education has launched the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) for Education e-Learning course and the Protective Security and Preparedness for education settings guidance, developed in collaboration with the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office and sector partners.

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ACT in a BOX is an interactive exercising experience which enables businesses to rehearse and explore their response to fictional terrorist incidents at or near their premises.
The immersive digital tool enables businesses to rehearse and explore their response to a fictional terrorist incident at or near their premises.

The fully interactive experience puts you, your staff and colleagues at the heart of a scenario by allowing you to influence the content and decide what to do next. Throughout each exercise, participants will also collectively reflect on their own workplace arrangements and physically complete activities, recording key considerations within the experience. You will have the opportunity to download a bespoke summary document at the end.

All scenarios are designed to be completed in a group format with a nominated facilitator to run the experience on a digital device and guide discussions. Further information can be found in the comprehensive Facilitation Guide, downloadable at the start of each scenario.

To complete the scenario, click the relevant link below. Please note that you will be diverted from the ProtectUK platform in order to complete the experience.
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Scenario
An interactive, visual Improvised Explosive Device (IED) scenario for businesses of all sizes. Complete this exercise as a group in just over 90 minutes to explore your response to an unattended or suspicious item.
Please click here access this scenario. Marauding Attacker Scenario
An interactive, visual Marauding Attacker scenario for businesses of all sizes. Complete this exercise as a group in just over 90 minutes to rehearse and explore your response to terrorist incident with one or more marauding attackers.
Please click here to access this scenario.
Please also complete the feedback form to allow NaCTSO to evolve this product in line with user requirements.

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ACT in a BOX is an interactive exercising experience which enables businesses to rehearse and explore their response to fictional terrorist incidents at or near their premises. The immersive digital tool enables businesses to rehearse and explore their response to a fictional terrorist incident at or near their premises.

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New laws that will scale up preparedness for terrorist attacks, are to be consulted on, making sure the public is protected without putting unnecessary burdens on smaller businesses.

Martyn's Law will require premises to fulfil necessary but proportionate steps, according to their capacity, to help keep the public safe. It is named in tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.

Under the proposed law, premises will be considered 'Standard Tier', meaning they have capacity of 100-799, or 'Enhanced Tier', with a capacity of 800 or more.

The consultation on the updated approach to Standard Tier, launched will seek views to make sure the new requirements do not place undue burdens on smaller businesses, while still protecting the public.

The consultation is open to the public until 18 March. It particularly seeks views from those responsible for smaller premises, especially those in the community and voluntary sector.

Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, said:

"Simple steps save lives. Martyn's Law will help protect the British public from terrorism, and make sure public premises are better prepared in the event of a terror attack.

"I want to make sure that our proposals are balanced and proportionate. That's why our updated approach is easy to implement, and better tailored to individual businesses.

"I'd encourage smaller premises to share their feedback on these crucial changes. Your feedback will help ensure that Martyn's Law stands the test of time."

The updated requirements for smaller businesses, set out in the consultation, are centred around outcomes rather than processes. For example, it will remove the requirement to complete any specific terrorism training.

Instead, those responsible for these premises will be asked to put in place procedures such as evacuation and lock-ins in the event of an attack.

The new 'reasonably practicable' approach is better suited to the wide range of organisations that will be within the scope of Standard Tier because they will assess and implement procedures that are suitable to their individual circumstances.

This aligns with other regulatory regimes, such as Health and Safety, which require reasonably practicable steps.

A Martyn's Law regulator will be established to monitor compliance and advise premises within scope of the legislation. Premises within Standard Tier will be required to notify the regulator that they are within the scope of this legislation.

This revised approach is designed to be low-to-no financial cost, with associated costs largely driven by the time taken to communicate them to staff.

Following the conclusion of the consultation process, the Bill will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

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Six-week Martyn's Law consultation launched

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New laws to make sure we are better prepared for, and protected from, terrorist attacks to be consulted on. This will ensure legislation is proportionate and deliverable for smaller businesses. Under the plans, premises will be asked to put in place procedures such as evacuation and lock-ins in an emergency.

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29.1.24 Click on the link and select individual for the video to start

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29.1.24 Click on the link and select individual for the video to start

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NPSA is a UK government body that provides integrated protective security advice to organisations comprising the critical national infrastructure with the aim of ensuring that those assets of strategic national significance are equipped with information to help reduce their vulnerability to national security threats.

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We are asking businesses and members of the public to continue to stay alert and report anything that doesn't feel right. Whilst the terrorism threat level remains at 'substantial', which means an attack is 'likely', events in the Middle East and other parts of the world are a reminder of the continued need for people to be vigilant.

Extensive research shows that the public responds positively to security messaging. Encourage businesses, venues and event organisers to share and amplify the winter campaign messages across social media. Please download content from the toolkit which has been created to equip users with everything they need to promote the campaign internally and externally and together everyone can play their part in helping to reassure the public and keep everyone safe.

New figures reveal that public reports made to CTP about possible terrorist activity has surged since the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated last month.

Between 7 October and 25 October, the total number of reports from the public to the Anti-Terror Hotline and via online reporting than doubled compared to the same period last year.

In the same period, the number of reports that have been particularly useful to investigators has almost quadrupled.

Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Laurence Taylor, said:

"As the international picture continues to develop at pace, UK policing is working closely with affected communities across the country to offer support and reassurance.

"Sadly, history tells us that events overseas can inspire or accelerate acts of violence much closer to home. We are working day and night with our partners to monitor the threat picture.

"We're acutely aware of the energising effect the conflict could have on those with extremist or terrorist intent.

"With that in mind, our Counter Terrorism Units across the country are reviewing their casework and checking that operational police activity is as effective as it can be to keep people safe.

"Critical to this work is the support of the public. As the increase in the number of reports to Counter Terrorism Policing in the last month shows, there is a real willingness from our communities to tell us about their concerns.

"To those who have contacted police, thank you, your information can have a huge impact on what we do."

As well as an increase in reports to Counter Terrorism Policing since the start of the conflict, the national Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU), which is based in the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, has also seen a significant increase in referrals.

The CTIRU was launched in 2010 to tackle the growth of online terrorist content. Specialist teams work with tech and social media companies and other partners to remove dangerous propaganda and content, as well as investigating activity that breaches terrorism legislation.

Nearly 2000 public referrals have been received since the start of the conflict and over 350 of these have required further investigation to assess whether they breach terrorism legislation.

Please remember to encourage your businesses to report to staff, security or police if something doesn't feel right. Or to report on line to gov.uk/ACT.

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Counter Terrorism Policing launches Winter Vigilance Campaign 2023/24

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As world events take place, the need for people to be alert is more important than ever. Counter Terrorism Policing needs your help to share its winter campaign messages.

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NEWS Teenage from Nottingham sentenced for Terrorism Offences

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NEWS Teenage from Nottingham sentenced for Terrorism Offences

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A 17 year old boy from Nottingham has been sentenced to a twelve-month, High Intensity Referral Order by Nottingham Youth Court.
Following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East, a 17 year old boy from Nottingham pleaded guilty to the following offences in October 2023:

One offence under Section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006 (Direct/indirect encouragement of terrorism to others to the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism)

Three offences under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000 (Possession of material containing information likely to be useful to a person committing an act of terrorism)

He has today (Wednesday, November 8) been sentenced to a twelve-month, High Intensity Referral Order by Nottingham Youth Court.

The boy was arrested in March 2023 as part of a pre-planned, intelligence led investigation into suspected extreme right-wing social media posts. The investigation confirmed that the 17 year old had created and participated in Telegram groups where he encouraged white supremacist views and shared terrorist material.
The head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: "It is important that family, friends and organisations are aware of the risks that young people face online, including recognising when someone is being drawn into extremism, and knowing where to turn for help and support." "Sharing extremist material and encouraging terrorism online are serious offences that can have far reaching consequences in the real world." "If you are worried that someone you care about is at risk of radicalisation, trust your instincts and seek advice. Please visit actearly.co.uk to find out what support is available."

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Teenager from Nottingham Sentenced for Terrorism Offences

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A 17 year old boy from Nottingham has been sentenced to a twelve-month, High Intensity Referral Order by Nottingham Youth Court.

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A Derbyshire teenager, whose extreme right-wing videos were cited by a man who murdered 10 people in a terrorist attack in the US, has been jailed for encouraging terrorism.
Daniel John Harris also tried to make a gun with a 3D printer.

The 19-year-old made and uploaded five videos to an online channel, between February 2021 and March 2022. In the clips, he praised the 2019 terrorist attacks in New Zealand, criticised peaceful protest, produced how-to guides and called for the death of those who work in the criminal justice system.

Harris' clips were commented on and referenced seven times by the man who murdered ten people in a racially-motivated attack at a supermarket in Buffalo, USA, in May last year. Further evidence shows another was used on the website of a man accused of killing five people at a gay club in Colorado in November.

A sixth charge related to the possession of the 3D printer, with intent.

Harris was arrested by officers from Counter-Terrorism Policing in the East Midlands (CTP EM) at his home in Glossop on 16 May 2022 - two days after the attack in Buffalo - and charged with a number of offences.

In December, following a trial at Manchester Crown Court, he was found guilty of five counts of encouraging terrorism (contrary to Section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006) and one count of possession of material for terrorist purposes (contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000).

Today (Friday 27 January 2023), Harris, of Lord Street in Glossop, was jailed for 11-and-a-half years, plus three further years on licence on his release, when he will also be the subject of a five-year Serious Crime Prevention Order.
'Highly dangerous'
On sentencing, Judge Field KC acknowledged Harris' mental health issues and unconventional upbringing 'may impact his ability to talk to others and understand boundaries', but added that there was 'no evidence of any such condition affecting your culpability'.

He referenced his previous offending, including the defacing of a George Floyd statue, and described his offences as 'calculated, deliberate and sophisticated, demonstrating high level of intelligence and competency'.

He described him as 'highly dangerous and a significant risk to members of the public', adding that the attacks in the US were 'not only appalling, but no more than what you intended others to do'.
CTP EM Detective Inspector Chris Brett said: "On the face of it, Harris presents as an unassuming, quiet young man, but scratch the surface and it's a more sinister picture. "While efforts were made to support him - with a referral to establish if he had been groomed, and attempts to engage with him through the Prevent programme - the extent of his views and intentions were exposed through his continued efforts to post and create online content of an extreme nature throughout. "Harris was ultimately deemed not to have been groomed, rather his provocative words and inflammatory films were potentially radicalising others. "The threat he posed became such that we had to act in order to ensure the safety of the wider public. The reference to one of his videos in the prelude to the Buffalo attack is a case in point. The level of risk was laid bare when we found evidence of an intention to create a gun from parts printed from a 3D printer, kept in a room used for storage. Granted, it was a crude attempt. "Harris could see the reaction his videos were getting. This was not a one-off, this was not a game, this was a concerted effort to generate a following and influence people. "Even once arrested, Harris continued to be obstructive to our investigatory efforts. 'Inspire others with the means' "I'd like to acknowledge the work of the investigation team, supported by colleagues at Derbyshire Constabulary and in CTP North East, on what has been an extremely challenging, but sadly not unique, investigation. "It's no secret that across the country we are seeing more and more young people hitting the radar of counter-terrorism police, especially those who are displaying extreme right-wing views. "Anyone who downloads, shares or creates extreme content online risks being arrested under terrorism legislation. And don't think you can hide behind usernames, avatars and other technical blockers, as we have teams of highly-skilled digital investigators with a track record for getting to the source. "As we have seen in this case against Daniel Harris, such irresponsible and hateful behaviour can have deadly consequences. Not only did he create and share offensive posts and videos, he tried (and failed) to make a gun. And while not all individuals have the means to act upon their words, in the online space, they can easily spread to inspire others who do. "Today Harris has been made accountable for his actions. I hope his story and lengthy sentence acts as a deterrent to anyone else considering treading a similar path."
It can also be reported via the iREPORTit app, created by the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) in partnership with the national Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU).

Communities defeat terrorism, and your information is vital to counter-terrorism investigations. If you think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT.

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JAILED: Derbyshire teen encouraged terrorism and tried to make a gun

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A Derbyshire teenager, whose extreme right-wing videos were cited by a man who murdered 10 people in a terrorist attack in the US, has been jailed for 11-and-a-half years for encouraging terrorism.

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The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has today (6 September) laid before Parliament a draft order to proscribe Wagner Group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Wagner Group is a proxy military force of Vladimir Putin's Russia, which operates across the globe.

Once agreed, the order will come into force on 13 September, making it a criminal offence to belong to, encourage support for, assist or use the logo of that group. Certain proscription offences can be punishable by up to 14 years in prison, which can be handed down alongside or in place of a fine.

Wagner's assets can also be categorised as terrorist property and seized.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:

Wagner is a violent and destructive organisation which has acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putin's Russia overseas. While Putin's regime decides what to do with the monster it created, Wagner's continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlin's political goals.

They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law. Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders. Its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa are a threat to global security.

That is why we are proscribing this terrorist organisation and continuing to aid Ukraine wherever we can in its fight against Russia.

Wagner Group is a Russian private military company which has acted as a proxy military force on behalf of the Russian state. Founded in 2014, Wagner has operated in a series of countries including most notably Ukraine, Syria, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mozambique and Mali.

Wagner has operated in the pursuit of Russia's foreign policy objectives and the objectives of host governments who have contracted Wagner's services.

The UK has consistently called out the violent and destructive actions of Wagner Group, and included the group in a first wave of sanctions against Russia in early 2022, and more recently sanctioned an additional 13 individuals and businesses linked to the actions of the group in July 2023.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

Proscription names Wagner Group for what they truly are: terrorists.

This is a murderous organisation which is responsible for committing atrocities across the world.

Proscribing Wagner sends a clear message that the UK will not tolerate Russia's proxies and their barbaric actions in Ukraine, and condemns Wagner's campaign of corruption and bloodshed on the African continent, which has been repeatedly linked to human rights violations.

Proscribing the group comes after the Home Secretary's careful consideration of:

the nature and scale of organisation's activities

the threat they pose to British nationals overseas

the need to support other members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism

Despite recent events, including the group's attempted coup against Moscow and the alleged death of its leadership, the threat from Wagner Group continues to endure.

Designating the Wagner Group for proscription is also a response to requests made by Ukraine's President Zelenskyy who has called for the group to be treated as a terrorist organisation. The UK will maintain its unwavering support for Ukraine and continue to condemn Russian aggression.

The order will be debated in Parliament this week and once passed, Wagner Group will become the 79th organisation to be proscribed in the UK.

Other groups who have been proscribed by the British government include al-Qaeda, ISIS and Hizballah.

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Russian Wagner Group declared terrorists

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A draft proscription order is being laid in Parliament today, making it illegal to support Wagner Group and punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

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It's important to remember that the terror threat hasn't gone away. The threat to the UK from terrorism is substantial, meaning an attack is likely.

Counter Terrorism Policing has therefore refreshed and updated its summer campaign toolkit for businesses, venues, police forces and partners to use.

You can find the refreshed toolkit with easy-to-use content, messaging, and links to free training for your staff on ProtectUK.

The campaign builds on years of award-winning Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) campaigns, and aims to provide reassuring summer-related content that encourages the public to report anything that doesn't feel right.

The campaign aims to:

Make the public aware of how we can all play our part in defeating terrorism

Increase confidence in reporting something that doesn't feel right and awareness of how to report it.

Encourage event organisers, staff and security to take action to support the counter terrorism effort, such as encouraging all staff to refresh on ACT e-Learning and promoting the summer campaign materials.

If you have events taking place in your area, please use the free materials in the toolkit on your digital channels and in your venues.

Thank you to all ProtectUK partners for continuing to work with us to keep everyone safe from terrorism.

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Do summer safely with Counter Terrorism Policing

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It's important to remember that the terror threat hasn't gone away. The threat to the UK from terrorism is substantial, meaning an attack is likely. Counter Terrorism Policing has therefore refreshed and updated its summer campaign toolkit for businesses, venues, police forces and partners to use.

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On 12th June 2023 Asad Bhatti from Redhill was sentenced to eight years in prison

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On 12th June 2023 Asad Bhatti from Redhill was sentenced to eight years in prison

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A police investigation began after documents with suspicious titles about bomb making were found on Bhatti's laptop. The laptop was undergoing some repair work at the time. Although the witness did not know what the files were, he had some suspicions about the titles and decided that making a report was the right thing to do. This led to a thorough investigation being carried out. Searches of Bhatti's properties and electronics ultimately secured a conviction.

The 47-year-old was found guilty at the Old Bailey on 17th March this year. He was guilty on two counts of possessing an article for the purpose of terrorism contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000. He was also found guilty on three counts of making or possessing an explosive substance under suspicious circumstances contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substance Act.

Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East, said:
"This case is a perfect example of how important it is that the people within our communities, the people who know it best, are confident to report anything suspicious into us.

"Each year thousands of reports like this one, help police to tackle the terrorist threat.

"We take all reports seriously and will investigate to establish the right steps to take, you won't be destroying lives, but you might be saving them.

"You are not expected to be an expert, but if you have any suspicions, please make a report. Your information could be the missing part of the puzzle we need - Action Counters Terrorism (ACT)."

Along with the manuals found on his laptop, Bhatti wrote about making explosives, shooting techniques and hand to hand combat. On a USB stick he had combat and explosive making manuals that had been published by others as well.

Within a storage unit, officers found chemicals, chemistry equipment, electronic circuitry and even an improvised explosive device, which was dismantled and not deemed functional.

DCS Wright continued:
"Thankfully, due to the vigilance of a member of the public, Bhatti's actions were investigated, and he was stopped from causing harm. We will never fully know what the consequences could have been.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank anyone who either has or will come forward with information, whether this leads to an investigation on this scale or not, your report will help us to keep our communities safe."

Detective Inspector Alex Maguire, Borough Commander of Reigate and Banstead, said:
"This sentence reaffirms our commitment, alongside our partners in Counter Terrorism Policing South East, to root out those with extremist views and bring them to justice.

"While he evidently had the intent to equip himself with harmful substances, he was stopped and those devices were not deemed functional and he has now been brought to justice.

"Public safety is our number one priority and we, together with all our partners, continue to work tirelessly to apprehend people like Bhatti.

"I would like to thank everybody who supported the investigation and helped to secure this conviction, especially those who came forward to report suspicions."

If you've seen or heard something that could potentially be related to terrorism, trust your instincts and report it. Your actions could save lives.

If you want to enhance your own knowledge on recognising suspicious behaviour or suspicious items, take the time to complete our award-winning Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) e-Learning.

It only takes a moment to make a report online. In an emergency, always dial 999.

ProtectUK would like to thank the continued support of businesses and vigilance from members of the public in countering the threat from terrorism.

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Man jailed after witness reports bomb making manuals found on laptops

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A police investigation began after documents with suspicious titles about bomb making were found on Bhatti's laptop. The laptop was undergoing some repair work at the time. Although the witness did not know what the files were, he had some suspicions about the titles and decided that making a report was the right thing to do.

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Man arrested in connection with Nottingham attack is charged

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Man arrested in connection with Nottingham attack is charged

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Following investigations by Nottinghamshire Police, Valdo Calocane, of no fixed address, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. He will be detained in custody and will appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Saturday, 17 June 2023. The latest update from Nottinghamshire Police is included below.

People can call Nottinghamshire Victim CARE on 0800 304 7575 or visit nottsvictimcare.org.uk. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday, from 9am until 5pm.

For more information on what to look out for and how to contact the police, please visit our Action Counters Terrorism website: www.gov.uk/ACT

The ACT Awareness e-Learning provides nationally recognised Counter Terrorism guidance to help people better understand, and mitigate against, current terrorist methodology. To complete e-Learning, please visit: ProtectUK

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Man arrested in connection with Nottingham attack is charged

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Following investigations by Nottinghamshire Police, Valdo Calocane, of no fixed address, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. He will be detained in custody and will appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Saturday, 17 June 2023. The latest update from Nottinghamshire Police is included below.

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The draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill sets out the requirements that, under Martyn's Law, venues and other organisations will have to meet to ensure public safety. 'Martyn's Law' is a tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.

The draft bill will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee, ahead of formal introduction.

In December 2022, the government announced that Martyn's Law will introduce a tiered model for certain locations depending on the capacity of the premises or event and the activity taking place, to prevent unnecessary burden to business. The legislation will ensure venues are prepared for, and ready to respond in the event of, an attack.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said:

"The threat from terrorism is enduring. In recent years, we have seen terrorists target the public at a broad range of locations, causing deaths and casualties amongst innocent people going about their everyday lives.

"This is a significant step forward for Martyn's Law and our ability to further protect the public. I welcome the committee's scrutiny to ensure that this legislation is proportionate while enhancing our national security."

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, said:

"Today is an important step forward to a safer country. Martyn's Law will end the ridiculous situation where venues have legal obligations for how many toilets they have but no obligation to keep their customers protected.

"Of course Martyn's Law won't stop all terror attacks, but it will make crowded places better protected and prepared, and make the terrorists' job that bit harder.

"Almost six years after the Manchester Arena attack it's now critical this bill is passed into law as quickly as possible and in the strongest form possible."

British Retail Consortium Assistant Director, Graham Wynn, said:

"Given the number of retail premises, Martyn's Law is particularly relevant to retailers. We have appreciated the Home Office's willingness to make adjustments to the bill - such as the move to make capacity the basis to meet changing needs - as well as make it more practical and proportionate.

"It will be important to ensure all operational details work effectively - such as how the tiers operate at the margins. After closer examination of the detail, we look forward to the opportunity to provide additional suggestions as appropriate during the Parliamentary process."

The government is committed to working closely with businesses and other stakeholders to ensure this legislation is proportionate whilst also being effective. Dedicated guidance and support will be provided to ensure those in scope can meet their responsibilities. ProtectUK already hosts a range of expert advice, training, and guidance.

The standard tier will apply to public premises with a maximum capacity of 100 or more people, whilst the enhanced tier applies to public premises and events with a maximum capacity of 800 or more people. Limited exemptions to the capacity requirements apply to education establishments and places of worship. Guidance and training materials will also be available to premises with a capacity of under 100, should they want additional support.

Standard tier premises will be required to undertake basic, low-cost activities to improve their preparedness, including terrorism protection training and evaluating the best procedures to put in place in order to minimise impact.

Enhanced tier premises and events have further requirements in recognition of the potential consequences of a successful attack. This will include appointing a designated senior officer who must regularly review the security of the venue.

An inspection and enforcement regime will be established to promote the requirements for each tier. In the event of non-compliance, sanctions and ultimately penalties will be issued to premises.

Martyn's Law will extend to and apply across the whole of the United Kingdom and has been developed following extensive consultation with the public, businesses and campaign groups. The significant majority agree that those responsible for publicly accessible locations should take measures to protect the public from potential attacks.

Among the campaigners was Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett. Her campaign for 'Martyn's Law' has informed the process leading to the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill. Figen and others have worked tirelessly with the government to ensure this bill is delivered and publishing the draft legislation is a credit to their efforts. Publication of the draft bill today follows a commitment made by the Prime Minister to Figen shortly after he took office that the government would bring forward the measures in the Spring.

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Martyn's Law Update - legislation progresses as government publishes draft

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The draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill sets out the requirements that, under Martyn's Law, venues and other organisations will have to meet to ensure public safety. 'Martyn's Law' is a tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017.

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Why should you help stop money mule recruiters?

A money mule is someone who lets someone else use their bank account to transfer money, often keeping a little bit for themselves. If you get caught, you could get a criminal record.

Don't risk your study abroad experience for quick cash. A money mule is someone who lets someone else use their bank account to transfer money, often keeping a little bit for themselves. If you get caught, you could get a criminal record.

Be cautious of unsolicited offers to make easy money. A money mule is someone who lets someone else use their bank account to transfer money, often keeping a little bit for themselves. If you get caught doing this, you could get a criminal record.

Criminals may try to take advantage of students studying in the UK, by offering them quick ways to make money as part of a money mule scheme. Be cautious of anyone asking to use your bank account to transfer money. You could get a criminal record.

Transferring criminal money is a crime. You may think it's easy money, but you could be landed with a criminal record.

Be cautious of unsolicited offers to make easy money whilst studying abroad. If you let someone else use your bank account to transfer money, you could be funding serious organised crime. If you get caught doing this, you could get a criminal record.

If you let someone use your bank account to transfer money, you may be laundering criminal funds. This money could be used to fund serious organised crime. If you get caught doing this, you could get a criminal record.

Money mule recruiters may try to befriend students. You may think you're doing your friend a favour, but you could be transferring criminal money. If you get caught, you could get a criminal record.

Pam ddylech chi helpu i stopio'r rhai sy'n recriwtio 'mulod arian'?

Twyll yw'r math mwyaf tebygol o drosedd i effeithio ar bob un ohonom, ar ôl dod yn drosedd sy'n digwydd yn amlach na lladrad.

Yn gynyddol, mae pobl ifanc yn dod yn brif ddioddefwyr twyll. Gall tactegau twyllwyr fod yn soffistigedig iawn ac mae hyd yn oed y rhai sy'n graff yn ariannol yn gallu cael eu twyllo'n hawdd.

Nid dim ond colli eu harian y mae dioddefwyr. Gallant golli cynilion eu teulu, eu busnesau, eu hymddiriedaeth mewn pobl eraill, a gall hyn i gyd effeithio ar eu hiechyd meddwl.

Un o'r ffactorau pwysicaf sy'n galluogi twyll yw mulod arian. Ystyr yr ymadrodd yw pan fyddwch chi'n gadael i rywun arall ddefnyddio eich cyfrif banc i anfon arian troseddol.

Bydd twyllwyr a throseddwyr eraill yn defnyddio llawer o gyfrifon mulod i'w gwneud yn anoddach i fanciau a'r heddlu eu holrhain.

Mae'r rhan fwyaf o'r mulod arian sy'n galluogi'r troseddau hyn yn ifanc. Mae tua 6 o bob 10 'mul' o dan 30 oed. Mae rhai'n cael eu recriwtio ar-lein ac eraill wyneb yn wyneb.

Drwy ddefnyddio mulod arian, mae troseddwyr yn ceisio sicrhau bod y canlyniadau'n taro'r mulod arian, yn hytrach na nhw. Ecsbloetio ariannol yw hyn - y 'mul' yn ogystal â'r dioddefwr gwreiddiol.

Ond mae mulod arian fel arfer yn cael eu recriwtio am eu bod nhw'n cael cyfran o'r arian sydd wedi ei ddwyn. Mae hyn yn golygu eu bod nhw'n ymwneud â gwyngalchu arian. Mae gwyngalchu'n drosedd difrifol, gydag uchafswm dedfryd o 14 mlynedd yn y carchar ar gyfer y troseddwyr gwaethaf.

钱骡是指让别人用自己的银行账户转账，并通常为自己留一点钱的人。如果你被抓了，你可能会留下刑事犯罪记录。

不要为了快钱拿你的留学经历来冒险。钱骡是指让别人用自己的银行账户转账，并通常为自己留一点钱的人。如果你被抓了，你可能会留下刑事犯罪记录。

谨慎对待来路不明的轻松赚钱的机会。钱骡是指让别人用自己的银行账户转账，并通常为自己留一点钱的人。如果你被抓了，你可能会留下刑事犯罪记录。

犯罪分子可能会试图利用在英国学习的学生，把向学生们提供快速赚钱的方法，作为钱骡计划的一部分。对任何要求使用你的银行账户转账的人都要谨慎。你可能会留下刑事犯罪记录。

转移犯罪资金是犯罪。你可能认为这是轻松赚钱的方法，但你可能会因此留下刑事犯罪记录。

在国外留学期间，要谨慎对待来路不明的轻松赚钱的机会。如果你让别人用你的银行账户转账，这些钱可能被用来资助严重的有组织犯罪。如果你这样做被抓住，你可能会留下刑事犯罪记录。

如果你让某人使用你的银行账户转账，你可能是在清洗犯罪资金。这笔钱可用来资助严重的有组织犯罪。如果你这样做被抓住，你可能会留下刑事犯罪记录。

钱骡招募者可能会尝试与学生交朋友。你可能认为你在帮朋友的忙，但其实你可能在转移犯罪资金。如果你被抓了，你可能会有刑事犯罪记录。

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The National Crime Agency leads the UK’s fight to cut serious and organised crime.

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A guide to the Online Safety Bill

What the new internet safety laws mean for adults and children.

The Online Safety Bill is a new set of laws to protect children and adults online. It will make social media companies more responsible for their users' safety on their platforms.

How the online safety bill will protect children

The Bill will make social media companies legally responsible for keeping children and young people safe online.

It will protect children by making social media platforms:

remove illegal content quickly or prevent it from appearing in the first place. This includes removing content promoting self harm

prevent children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content

enforce age limits and age-checking measures

ensure the risks and dangers posed to children on the largest social media platforms are more transparent, including by publishing risk assessments

provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise

How the online safety bill will protect adults

The Bill will protect adults in three ways through a 'triple shield'.

All in scope services will need to put in place measures to prevent their services being used for illegal activity and to remove illegal content when it does appear.

Category 1 services (the largest and most-high risk services) must remove content that is banned by their own terms and conditions.

Category 1 services must also empower their adult users with tools that give them greater control over the content that they see and who they engage with.

Types of content that will be tackled

Illegal content

Some content that children and adults encounter online is already illegal. The Bill will force social media platforms to remove illegal content, stopping children and adults from seeing it.

The Bill is also bringing in new offences, including making content that promotes self harm illegal for the first time. Platforms will need to remove this.

This is not just about removing existing illegal content, it is also about stopping it from appearing at all. Platforms will need to think about how they design their sites to reduce the likelihood of them being used for criminal activity in the first place.

Illegal content that platforms will need to remove includes:

child sexual abuse

controlling or coercive behaviour

extreme sexual violence

fraud

hate crime

inciting violence

illegal immigration and people smuggling

promoting or facilitating suicide

promoting self harm

revenge porn

selling illegal drugs or weapons

sexual exploitation

terrorism

Content that is harmful to children

Some content is not illegal but could be harmful or age-inappropriate for children. Platforms will need to protect children from it.

The categories of harmful content that platforms will need to protect children from encountering are set out in the Bill and include:

pornographic content

content that does not meet a criminal threshold but which promotes, encourages or provides instructions for suicide, self-harm or eating disorders

content that depicts or encourages serious violence

bullying content

The online safety laws will mean social media companies will have to keep underage children off their platforms.

Social media companies set the age limits on their platforms and many of them say children under 13 years of age are not allowed, but many younger children have accounts. This will stop.

Different technologies can be used to check people's ages online. These are called age assurance technologies.

The new laws mean social media companies will have to say what technology they are using, if any, and show they are enforcing their age limits.

Adults will have more control over the content they see

The largest platforms will be required to offer adult users tools so they can have greater control over the kinds of content they see and who they engage with online. This includes giving them the option of filtering out unverified users, which will help stop anonymous trolls from contacting them.

The largest platforms will have to provide adult users with tools to help reduce the likelihood that they will encounter certain types of content. These categories of content are set out in the Bill and include content that does not meet a criminal threshold but promotes or encourages eating disorders or self harm, or is racist, anti-semitic or misogynistic.

The Bill will already protect children from seeing this content.

These platforms must also proactively offer these tools to all their registered adult users, so it is easy for them to decide whether to use these tools or not. The tools must be effective and easy to access and could include human moderation, blocking content flagged by other internet users or sensitivity and warning screens.

The Bill will tackle repeat offenders

These laws will require all social media companies to assess how their platforms could allow abusers to create anonymous profiles, and take steps to ban repeat offenders, preventing them from creating new accounts and limiting what new or suspicious accounts can do.

How the Bill will be enforced

We are putting Ofcom in charge as a regulator to check platforms are protecting their users.

Platforms will have to show they have processes in place to meet the requirements set out by the Bill. Ofcom will check how effective those processes are at protecting internet users from harm.

Ofcom will have powers to take action against companies which do not follow their new duties. Companies will be fined up to £18 million or 10 percent of their annual global turnover, whichever is greater. Criminal action will be taken against senior managers who fail to follow information requests from Ofcom. Ofcom will also be able to hold companies and senior managers (where they are at fault) criminally liable if the provider fails to comply with Ofcom 's enforcement notices in relation to specific child safety duties or to child sexual abuse and exploitation on their service.

In the most extreme cases, with the agreement of the courts, Ofcom will be able to require payment providers, advertisers and internet service providers to stop working with a site, preventing it from generating money or being accessed from the UK.

How these UK laws impact international companies

Ofcom will have the power to take appropriate action against all social media and tech companies, no matter where they are based, if they are accessible to UK users.

The next steps for the Bill

The new laws are currently going through parliament and will be in place once they finish their passage. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is working closely with Ofcom to lay the groundwork for the laws to be enforced once they are introduced.

We will take a phased approach to bringing in the Online Safety Bill's duties as Ofcom's powers come into force.
Ofcom will initially focus on illegal content, to address the most serious harms as soon as possible.

Find out more
See more information about online safety, including learning materials and advice for staying safe online.

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The Online Safety Bill is a new set of laws to protect children and adults online. It will make social media companies more responsible for their users' safety on their platforms.

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Notes from Prevent Regional Prevent Meeting 8.11.22

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I've worked with education experts to create a free lesson plan and interactive classroom presentation. Designed for Key Stage 3 and 4, and perfect for PSHE, this teaching resource will help your pupils think about and discuss multiculturalism, terrorism, discrimination, diversity and British identity.

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Mike Haines' Global Acts of Unity | Teaching Diversity in British Identity

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I've worked with education experts to create a free lesson plan and interactive classroom presentation. Designed for Key Stage 3 and 4, and perfect for PSHE, this teaching resource will help your pupils think about and discuss multiculturalism, terrorism, discrimination, diversity and British identity.

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Far-Right Extremism: Why We Should Be Concerned

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People don’t just wake up one morning and decide to become extremists. Watch John’s story to find out how he was groomed online by the extreme right-wing and the techniques used to influence him. Pupil mode is available via the button on the top of this page for classroom delivery or use at home.

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Extreme or Not Extreme?

This page introduces extremism with a focus on the law, exploring actions likely to attract police investigation. Through the video, students will recognise examples of extremist behaviour online and their legal implications.

Pupil mode is available via the button on the top of this page for classroom delivery or use at home.

The 3 Spotlight Scenarios below provide context with conversation starters to further explore the risk, discuss motivations, and reflect on considerations for victims, perpetrators and bystanders.

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This page introduces extremism with a focus on the law, exploring actions likely to attract police investigation. Through the video, students will recognise examples of extremist behaviour online and their legal implications. Pupil mode is available via the button on the top of this page for classroom delivery or use at home.

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Share by email

I have been a victim of hate crime, what should I do?

Report it by:

When you report a hate crime we will arrange for an officer to come and see you at a time and place to suit you:

Tell us if you think it is a hate crime and why.

Get the name and number of the officer you speak to. This will be useful if you need to contact him or her again. Also make sure you take a note of your crime number.

Keep a record of what we do and tell you as your case progresses.

Use diary sheets that can be given to you by the officer in your case to keep a record of any incidents that have affected you. This will help you to remember details accurately if you need to make a statement later.

Don't touch anything the offender might have been in contact with or that may have blood or saliva on it. This can include clothes, weapons, letters, leaflets. We may be able to use these to identify the offender.

Ask the officer in your case for photographs to be taken of anything that shows what happened, or take photographs yourself. For exmaple, of damage to your property or vehicle, graffitti etc. Photographs could later be used as evidence.

If there are any witnesses get their names and contact details (address and telephone number). Ask them to write down what they saw or heard and sign it.

If you're injured make sure you see a doctor or visit a hospital and get any visible injuries are photographed. Show these to us.

Keep a record of any expenses you incur, for example public transport fares to hospital, loss of earnings from being off work, because you may be able to claim compensation.

Provided by the Association of Chief Police Officers, the True Vision website allows victims of hate crime, or those who are concerned about someone else who is subjected to abuse or violence, to report it without having to pick up the telephone or go into a police station.

The website also has lots of information for victims about what hate crime is and the many ways it can be reported.

Go to the Reporting Online section of the website and choose Nottinghamshire from the drop-down menu. Type in the details of the incident. Once you have done that, the report will be sent directly for our officers to deal with.

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Report hate crime: What to do if you experience this

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I have been a victim of hate crime, what should I do?Report it by:You can also report hate crime online with True VisionCall the 101 non-emergency numberVisiting your nearest police stationWhen you report a hate crime we will arrange for an officer to come and see you at a time and place to suit you:

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Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Procedure Flow Chart

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-Radicalisation and Extremism
-Staying Safe Online
-What can you trust
-British Values
You will need to sign up for an account and login. Follow the instructions.

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ETF Learners is closed. This page is managed by Tintisha.net

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Prostart Prevent & British Values Summary

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Action Counter Terrorism Awareness e-Learning

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Action Counter Terrorism Awareness e-Learning

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Continue your journey learning about the best practices to help counter terrorism and increase your security awareness. Unsure where to begin? Start with our award winning ACT E-learning or click below to see all other modules

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Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website. East Midlands Eastern London North East North West Northern Ireland Scotland South East South West Wales West Midlands Other Commercial Police Education Entertainment Events Faith Financial Service Government Health Hospitality Industry Professional Services [Legal, surveyors, etc] Retail Security Sport Tourism Transport Other Create an account and subscribe About this Course Continue your journey learning about the best practices to help counter terrorism and increase your security awareness.

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Prostart - Training You Today For Tomorrow

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Introduction Prostart recognises the benefits and opportunities which new technologies offer to teaching and learning. We provide internet access to all learners and staff and encourage the use of technologies in order to enhance skills, promote achievement and enable lifelong learning. However, the…

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Prostart - Training You Today For Tomorrow

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PREVENT Strategy
Introduction and Context
Prevent is part of a Government initiative to develop a robust counter terrorism programme - CONTEST. The UK faces a range of terrorist threats. All the terrorist groups who pose a threat to us seek to radicalise and recruit people to their cause. The Prevent strategy seeks to:

Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views

Provide practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support

Work with a wide range of sectors where there are risks of radicalisation which needs to be addressed, including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, the internet and health

A system of threat level has been created which represents the likelihood of an attack in the near future. The five levels are:

Critical- an attack is expected imminently

Severe - an attack is highly likely

Substantial - an attack is a strong possibility

Moderate - an attack is possible but not likely

Low - an attack is unlikely

The current threat level from international terrorism in the UK can be found here Threat Levels | MI5 - The Security Service

Further Education colleges including Independent Training Providers are major education and training providers for the 16 - 25 year age group, particularly young people from ethnically diverse and socially and economically disadvantaged areas. The age and profile of our learners make it crucial to be involved in the Prevent strategy. Prostart have a part to play in fostering shared values and promoting cohesion.

This strategy has five key objectives:

To promote and reinforce shared values; to create space for free and open debate; and to listen and support the learner voice.

To break down segregation among different learner communities including by supporting inter-faith and inter-cultural dialogue and understanding, and to engage all learners in playing a full and active role in wider engagement in society

To ensure learner safety and that Prostart is free from bullying, harassment and discrimination

To provide support for learners who may be at risk and appropriate sources of advice and guidance

To ensure that learners and staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in preventing violent extremism.

In order to achieve these objectives the strategy will concentrate on four areas;
Leadership and Values
To provide an ethos which upholds core values of shared responsibility and wellbeing for all learners, staff and visitors and promotes respect, equality and diversity and understanding. This will be achieved through:

Promoting core values of respect, equality and diversity, democratic society, learner voice and participation

Building staff and learner understanding of the issues and confidence to deal with them

Deepening engagement with local communities

Actively working with local schools, local authorities, police and other agencies

Teaching and Learning
To provide a curriculum which promotes knowledge, skills and understanding to build the resilience of learners, by undermining extremist ideology and supporting the learner voice. This will be achieved through:

Embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and community cohesion

Promoting wider skill development such as social and emotional aspects of learning

A curriculum adapted to recognise local needs, challenge extremist narratives and promote universal rights.

Encouraging active citizenship/participation and learner voice.

Embedding British Values into the curriculum and ensuring that learners understand the terms extremism and radicalisation.

Student Support
To ensure that staff are confident to take preventative and responsive steps working with partner professionals, families and communities. This will be achieved through:

· Maintaining strong and effective learner support

· Listening to what is happening in the community

· Reinforcing anti-bullying strategies and challenging discriminatory behaviour

· Helping Apprentices & learners and staff know how to access support at Prostart and or through community partners

· Supporting at risk Apprentices & learners through safeguarding and crime prevention processes

· Focussing on narrowing the attainment gap for all Apprentices & learners

Managing Risks and Responding to Events

To ensure that Prostart monitors risks and is ready to deal appropriately with issues which arise. It will do this through:

· Understanding the nature of the threat from violent extremism and how this may impact directly or indirectly at Prostart

· Understanding and managing potential risks within Prostart from external influences

· Responding appropriately to events in local, national or international news that may impact on Apprentices & learners and communities

· Ensuring measures are in place to minimise the potential for acts of violent extremist within Prostart (Impero software for monitoring ICT installed).

· Ensuring plans are in place to respond appropriately to a threat or incident at Prostart

· Adhering to the ICT security and responsible user policies already in place.

· Adhering to the General Data Protection Regulation when sharing information.

There is a risk assessment in place for PREVENT which is reviewed quarterly and a section on PREVENT is also included in the Business Continuity & Risk Register.

Related Documents

Safeguarding and PREVENT Policy

Equality and Diversity Policy

Communication Policy/ Prevent Padlet

E-Safety Policy

Access to IT Policy/ Acceptable use of

Social Media Policy

Whistle Blowing Policy

Staff Development and Training Policy

General Data Protection Regulation Policy

V5 Jan 21 Reviewed Jan 2022

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PREVENT Strategy Introduction and Context Prevent is part of a Government initiative to develop a robust counter terrorism programme - CONTEST. The UK faces a range of terrorist threats. All the terrorist groups who pose a threat to us seek to radicalise and recruit people to their cause.

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Prostart - Training You Today For Tomorrow

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Safeguarding learners is an integral part of Prostart's policies and procedures in order to provide a safe and welcoming environment in which all individual are respected equally.

Prostart's aim is:

To ensure that responsibility for a safe environment of the young people/ vulnerable adults at Prostart Training is of high priority.

Ensuring all staff receive instructions and annual training as regards professional behaviour and conduct when dealing with young people.

At no time will a young person be oppressed or exploited.

Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it; Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support; and work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to address

To ensure a culture where sexual abuse and harassment is not acceptable or tolerated and learners are supported to report any concerns about harmful sexual behaviour (including online) and feel confident they will be taken seriously.

Prostart's Safeguarding & Prevent Policy is reviewed and updated every year. This outlines Prostart's procedures for ensuring that all our learners are safeguarded and protected and includes contact information for the Local Safeguarding Boards.

All our members of staff have had a Disclosure and Barring Service Checks (DBS previously CRB) check which means that they have been checked against police records.

All our members of staff have had training in Child Protection and Safeguarding and this is updated every year, all staff ensure that fundamental British values are promoted at all times.

The Safeguarding and Prevent policy is promoted through all of Prostart's processes and procedures including: staff and learner inductions, annual staff training, learner visits/ reviews, structured training sessions, resources, padlets and staff meetings
Your Rights and Responsibilities

You have the right to feel safe where you learn

Other people should not hurt or abuse you in any way

Other people should not threaten to hurt or abuse you

Physical Abuse - People should not touch you in a way that hurts

Sexual Abuse - People should not touch you or make you touch them in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or upset

Psychological or emotional abuse People should not upset you by bullying or teasing you.

Financial, money or material abuse People should not steal from you

Discrimination - People should not treat you badly because of your age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion, or who you choose for your girlfriend or boyfriend

Neglect - If you have personal care support, people who are thereto help you should not neglect you or ignore you. Click on this image for more information about neglect

We have two designated members of staff that you can talk to about any concerns around abuse or any other issues.

Prostart designated Safeguarding & Prevent Officers: -
Paula Vaughan
E-mail: paulavaughan@prostartuk.co.uk
Dawn Bridgett
E-mail: dawnbridgett@prostartuk.co.uk

You will find information about safeguarding and Prevent in your Induction Handbook which was issued at Induction.

Prostart do not tolerate bullying and discrimination. If you feel you have observed or been subject to such behaviour, you should speak to the members of staff above. If you feel unable to do so, you must speak to another member of staff or the Managing Director.

Harassment must not go un-reported as it will only escalate and may lead to illness and/ or persist and/ or transfer to other victims. It is therefore your duty to report any such behaviour.

Every effort will be made to investigate promptly and thoroughly all allegations, in as confidential a manner as possible.

If you disclose anything where we feel you are in danger or being harmed or you endangering others, we have a responsibility to report it to the relevant authorities

You can also contact:

ChildLine - 0800 1111 calls are free and confidential

Samaritans - 08457 909090

Victim Support - 0845 3030900

Personal Safety & Safeguarding
Here are some tips about keeping safe while you are out and about:

Set your home number on speed dial on your 'phone

Set up your 'phone so it can only be unlocked with a pin number

Get your 'phones, iPods and expensive items marked. Put your house number and postcode on them with an 'invisible' security pen

Carry a personal alarm

Avoid dark or lonely short cuts

Stay in groups

Be aware of your surroundings

Think about safe places to walk like well-lit areas and shops

Look out for each other

When you are out and about try to look confident

Trust your instincts - if you feel unsafe get away

Before you go out tell someone where you are going and when you will be back

Keep expensive possessions hidden

Don't listen to music when you are out and about (or use only one headphone so you can still hear what's going on behind you)

Learn self defence

Never accepts lifts from strangers or people you don't know very well

If you have been a victim of crime talking to someone you trust can make you feel better. Here are some examples of people you could talk to:

friends

someone in your family

people at school

people who work with children or young people

the police

If you decide you want to tell the police what happened to you, someone from Victim Support can come to the police station with you. We can also help you to talk to other people, like your teachers or parents, if you want.

Guidance for Young People
Protect yourself online
Guidance for Parents
How can you safeguard children from sexting
Further Guidance on Equality & Diversity can be found here
What is Prevent? Prevent is about safeguarding people and communities from the threat of terrorism. Prevent is 1 of the 4 elements of CONTEST, the Government's counter-terrorism strategy. The 4 elements include:

Pursue: to stop terrorist attacks

Prevent: to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism

Protect: to strengthen protection against a terrorist attack, and

Prepare: to mitigate the impact of a terrorist attack

What is the Prevent duty?
The Prevent duty is the duty in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 on specified authorities, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
The Prevent strategy:

Responds to the ideological challenge we face from terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views;

Provides practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support; and

Works with a wide range of sectors (including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, online and health) where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to deal with.

Prevent covers all forms of terrorism and extremism and some aspects of non-violent extremism.
The Home Office works with local authorities, a wide range of government departments, and community organisations to deliver the Prevent strategy. The police also play a significant role in Prevent, in much the same way as they do when taking a preventative approach to other crimes.

Prevent uses a range of measures to challenge extremism including:

Supporting people who are at risk of being drawn into terrorist or extremist activity through the Channel process.

Working with and supporting community groups and social enterprise projects who provide services and support to vulnerable people

Working with faith groups and institutions to assist them in providing support and guidance to people who may be vulnerable; and

Supporting local schools, local industry and partner agencies through engagement, advice and training.

Prevent is measured locally and nationally to make sure the Prevent programme provides value for money.

The government has defined extremism in the Prevent strategy as: "vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values.

What are British Values?
British values are defined as "democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs", and institutions are expected to encourage students to respect other people with particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.
What is Channel? Channel provides support across the country to those who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. The overall aim of the programme is early intervention and diverting people away from the risk they may face.
Channel uses existing collaboration between partners to support individuals and protect them from being drawn into terrorism. Who delivers channel? The process is a multi-agency approach with a wide range of agencies and local partners working together to provide support for individuals. Coordinators are usually police officers with the multi-agency panel being chaired by the Local Authority.

How does channel work?

Channel works by partners jointly assessing the nature and the extent of the risk and where necessary, providing an appropriate support package tailored to the individual's needs.
The three key stages of Channel are:

Identify individuals at risk of being drawn into terrorism;

Assess the nature and extent of that risk; and

Develop the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned.

Glossary
'Vulnerability' describes the condition of being capable of being injured; difficult to defend; open to moral or ideological attack. Within Prevent, the word describes factors and characteristics associated with being susceptible to radicalisation.

'Safeguarding' is the process of protecting vulnerable people, whether from crime, other forms of abuse or (in the context of this document) from being drawn into terrorist related activity.

'Radicalisation' refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.

'Extremism' is defined in the 2011 Prevent strategy as vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.

The current UK definition of 'terrorism' is given in the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT 2000). In summary this defines terrorism as an action that endangers or causes serious violence to a person/people; causes serious damage to property; or seriously interferes or disrupts an electronic system. The use or threat must be designed to influence the government or to intimidate the public and is made for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.

'Non-violent extremism' is extremism, as defined above, which is not accompanied by violence.

Guidance for Parents
TH Advice to Parents_WebVersion
A short film:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-acfd761e-0dff-46f7-87a4-96cec7824254

Further information on Prevent and British Values can be found here

Version 19 January 2022

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Safeguarding and Prevent Policy - Prostart

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Safeguarding learners is an integral part of Prostart's policies and procedures in order to provide a safe and welcoming environment in which all individual are respected equally. Prostart's aim is: To ensure that responsibility for a safe environment of the young people/ vulnerable adults at Prostart Training is of high priority.

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TV licence required

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In 2021, 13-year-old Olly Stephens was stabbed to death by two teenagers after an online dispute. Marianna Spring investigates the violent and disturbing world Olly had become caught up in.

Thirteen-year-old Olly Stephens left home for the final time on a Sunday afternoon in January 2021, telling his parents he was meeting a friend nearby. Fifteen minutes later, he had been murdered. Lured out by a teenage girl and stabbed to death by two teenage boys she had met online, the entire attack was planned on social media and triggered by a dispute on a chat group. With exclusive access to Olly's parents Amanda and Stuart, Panorama reporter Marianna Spring investigates the violent and disturbing world their son had been exposed to online and follows their campaign for tighter regulations on harmful content.

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BBC One - Panorama, A Social Media Murder: Olly's Story

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In 2021, 13-year-old Olly Stephens was stabbed to death by two teenagers after an online dispute. Marianna Spring investigates the violent and disturbing world Olly had become caught up in. Thirteen-year-old Olly Stephens left home for the final time on a Sunday afternoon in January 2021, telling his parents he was meeting a friend nearby.

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Firearms & Weapons Attack I Run, Hide, Tell

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Radicalisation and extremism - educational video

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21.6.21 Rise in violence and sexual exploitation against children and young people ‘linked to County Lines’

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21.6.21 Rise in violence and sexual exploitation against children and young people ‘linked to County Lines’

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New research into the criminal exploitation of children has revealed an increase in self-harm and suicide attempts among children and young people admitted into hospital with clear links to County Lines in the illegal drugs trade.

County Lines is the system whereby drugs are transported from one area to another, often across police and local authority boundaries, usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced and controlled by gangs.

In their latest report, the University of Nottingham's Rights Lab says health professionals on the ground are warning of young people being coerced by County Lines gangs through online exploitation and the harbouring of explicit photos. Rights Lab reports are regularly released to inform the authorities and enable urgent action as the pandemic and its impacts continue.

Researchers at the university's world-renowned Rights Lab are working with De Montfort University and are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council as part of UK Research and Innovation's rapid response to Covid-19.

Interviews with hospital A&E youth workers have revealed a rise in the incidence of violence, as well as shifts in the types of injuries and their severity. One participant reported an increase in the number of young males (aged 21 and under) attending A&E in the south of the country who had been the victim of rape by heterosexual males in a gang context.

One youth worker described some of the injuries they had seen: "Fingernails pulled off, hair pulled out, even the stabbings... whereas before Covid-19 you may have seen one or two injuries on a young person, now they will be repeatedly stabbed. So we're talking five, six times is kind of an average amount of stab wounds."

The researchers say that males still represent the majority of A&E admissions in relation to violence, however A&E professionals reported that injuries sustained by female victims in relation to County Lines activity were becoming more severe and sexual in nature. One youth worker referred to the use of 'gift girls', describing the sexual exploitation of females by County Lines actors where victims are sexually exploited and passed around the wider network as a reward.

Online grooming featured consistently among interviewees, particularly involving females who were being coerced into taking and sharing explicit images of themselves. While it was unclear whether this was linked to sexual or criminal exploitation, rising cases of self-harm in young females were attributed to this form of online activity.

One youth worker observed the existence of 'pop-up brothels' that were operated by organised crime groups, having not seen them prior to Covid-19. The victims, he said, were usually young British girls.

While a general increase of self-harm and attempted suicide was reported across all genders, one youth worker specifically noted seeing rising cases of young males aged 17 to 19. A participant told researchers: "We've continued to see incredibly high levels of suicide attempts. What has increased with that is the reason for those suicide attempts being online exploitation and males and females being asked to send explicit photos."

Professionals reported that this had become more noticeable in some County Lines, where the harbouring of indecent images was being used by the network as part of their coercive techniques to exert control over young people.

As well as online grooming and harm, perpetration-induced trauma and the feeling of being trapped in their exploitation were increasingly reported by young people in A&E as a reason for their deteriorating mental health. Another participant also identified suicide attempts linked with the occurrence of sexual violence within a gang context:

"One person who I met in A&E, he had been quite heavily involved in County Lines and he was in the hospital that night for trying to drink a litre of bleach. He said: 'I just wanted to get out of it because this particular day, they was gang raping someone' [...] When he refused to get involved they beat him up and now they was after him because he wouldn't get involved in that gang rape".

These latest findings are extremely concerning - taken together with the fact that professionals' ability to identify signs of exploitation and safeguard vulnerable young people are being hindered by Covid-19 restrictions, it is a very alarming picture.
Dr Ben Brewster, Research Fellow in Modern Slavery Perpetration in the Rights Lab

Dr Brewster, who is leading the research, continued: "One area that has seen some positive outcomes, is the privacy afforded by visiting restrictions in hospitals has meant that some young people have felt safe enough to disclose the circumstances of their injuries and experiences of exploitation. This is something that should be borne in mind when setting future policy and practice guidance."

The Rights Lab has previously reported on observations that some drug dealers had moved away from public transport and onto the roads because of Covid-19, using private hire vehicles.

In their latest report, the experts have found that there has been an increase in the number of injuries treated in A&E as a result of road traffic accidents, police car chases and vehicles being used as weapons by County Lines perpetrators in the south of England.

The research suggests this rise has been caused by increased movement of drugs on the roads since England's first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, which has contributed to more young people being exploited through car theft.

One participant in the study, an A&E worker in the South of England, remarked: "We have seen a dramatic change in young people being injured in police chases, where cars have then been stopped or detained. We would believe that is because young people are not using public transport routes."

A Security and Audit Manager of a leading rental company confirmed that hire vehicles had become a favoured mode of transport for organised crime groups over the course of the pandemic. He said: "We (car rental company) migrated to what we call a flexi-agreement, a 28-day rolling rental, you do it all online. From an Organised Crime Group's perspective, that's great, because it means they're not having to expose themselves by sending people into a branch. What we then also started to clock was ID theft, ID fraud."

This participant reported an increase in individuals selling their identities online, mainly through social media platforms such as Snapchat and Facebook for between £500 and £4,500. Similar to the traditional County Lines model, those less likely to raise the suspicion of the authorities (i.e. 'clean skins') were deemed more desirable to the network and were offered more money. Once in receipt of the relevant documentation, organised crime groups reportedly began to take out loans, credit cards and car finance agreements in the victim's name, liquidating the assets and using the money for illicit activity. The researchers say the difficulty in identifying the perpetrators of ID fraud has become a huge issue for law enforcement, while also having serious and long-term consequences for victims.

Dr Grace Robinson, is working with Dr Brewster on the research project, she said: "While we have detailed some of the short-term concerns raised by practitioners as we transition out of lockdown, there are significant long-term anxieties across the sector."

With increased vulnerability, the potential for large-scale and deteriorating cases of mental health issues, rising cases of online harms and substance misuse, and increasing reliance on technology enabling the proliferation of organised crime, it is essential that organisations encourage a professional curiosity throughout their workforce to identify and respond to the signs of exploitation.
Dr Grace Robinson, Research Fellow in Modern Slavery Perpetrators and Organised Crime in the Rights Lab

Through extensive interviews with stakeholders including national law enforcement, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), social care and safeguarding practitioners across England the Rights Lab's research project details Covid's effect on County Lines operations, and its impact on the prevention, detection and safeguarding abilities of police and other organisations. Their latest set of recommendations include:

Face-to-face meetings with young people should resume as soon as possible.

Independent return home interviews should be completed in person within 48 hours, providing opportunity for people to be listened to, in order to understand why they went missing, and what harm they experienced.

Statutory services should incorporate diversionary schemes to reduce court backlogs and keep young people out of the criminal justice system to avoid their further exploitation.

All A&E departments in the UK should have youth workers in place to offer support to children and young people attending hospital with violence related injuries.

Criminal exploitation and County Lines training should be made a national requirement for those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Story credits

More information is available from Dr Ben Brewster at ben.brewster@nottingham.ac.uk or Dr Grace Robinson at Grace.Robinson1@nottingham.ac.uk, both of the Rights Lab

Our academics can now be interviewed for broadcast via our Media Hub, which offers a Quicklink fixed camera and ISDN line facilities at Jubilee campus. For further information please contact a member of the Press Office on +44 (0)115 951 5798, email pressoffice@nottingham.ac.uk

For up to the minute media alerts, follow us on Twitter
Notes to editors:
The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive university with a proud heritage. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement. Ranked 103rd out of more than 1,000 institutions globally and 18th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings 2022, the University's state-of-the-art facilities and inclusive and disability sport provision is reflected in its crowning as The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021 Sports University of the Year. We are ranked eighth for research power in the UK according to REF 2014. We have six beacons of research excellence helping to transform lives and change the world; we are also a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, a pioneering collaboration which brings together the combined strength and civic missions of Nottingham's two world-class universities and is working with local communities and partners to aid recovery and renewal following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Rise in violence and sexual exploitation against children and young people 'linked to County Lines'

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New research into the criminal exploitation of children has revealed an increase in self-harm and suicide attempts among children and young people admitted into hospital with clear links to County Lines in the illegal drugs trade.

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Video Production Company - Magneto Films Ltd.

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If you have any concerns at all about a child's safety or wellbeing, don't hesitate to contact the NSPCC Helpline on

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or email help@nspcc.org.uk

The dedicated NSPCC child protection specialist you talk to will know what to do next and will take any necessary action. It's never too soon to speak out when a child needs help. Even if you're unsure, if you're worried, the best thing to do is to talk to a trained professional. Your call could protect a child from experiencing sexual abuse.

If you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.

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Helping anyone who comes across harmful content online

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List includes online drug and weapons dealing, people smuggling, revenge porn, fraud, promoting suicide and inciting or controlling prostitution for gain

New criminal offences will be added to the bill to tackle domestic violence and threats to rape and kill

Flagship UK laws to protect people online are being toughened up with new criminal offences and extra measures to force social media companies to stamp out the most harmful illegal content and criminal activity on their sites quicker.

Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries today announced extra priority illegal offences to be written on the face of the bill include revenge porn, hate crime, fraud, the sale of illegal drugs or weapons, the promotion or facilitation of suicide, people smuggling and sexual exploitation. Terrorism and child sexual abuse are already included.

Previously the firms would have been forced to take such content down after it had been reported to them by users but now they must be proactive and prevent people being exposed in the first place.

It will clamp down on pimps and human traffickers, extremist groups encouraging violence and racial hate against minorities, suicide chatrooms and the spread of private sexual images of women without their consent.

Naming these offences on the face of the bill removes the need for them to be set out in secondary legislation later and Ofcom can take faster enforcement action against tech firms which fail to remove the named illegal content.

Ofcom will be able to issue fines of up to 10 per cent of annual worldwide turnover to non-compliant sites or block them from being accessible in the UK.

Three new criminal offences, recommended by the Law Commission, will also be added to the Bill to make sure criminal law is fit for the internet age.

Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries said:

This government said it would legislate to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online while enshrining free speech, and that's exactly what we are going to do. Our world leading bill will protect children from online abuse and harms, protecting the most vulnerable from accessing harmful content, and ensuring there is no safe space for terrorists to hide online.

We are listening to MPs, charities and campaigners who have wanted us to strengthen the legislation, and today's changes mean we will be able to bring the full weight of the law against those who use the internet as a weapon to ruin people's lives and do so quicker and more effectively.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said:

The internet cannot be a safe haven for despicable criminals to exploit and abuse people online.

Companies must continue to take responsibility for stopping harmful material on their platforms. These new measures will make it easier and quicker to crack down on offenders and hold social media companies to account.

The new communications offences will strengthen protections from harmful online behaviours such as coercive and controlling behaviour by domestic abusers; threats to rape, kill and inflict physical violence; and deliberately sharing dangerous disinformation about hoax Covid-19 treatments.

The government is also considering the Law Commission's recommendations for specific offences to be created relating to cyberflashing, encouraging self-harm and epilepsy trolling.

To proactively tackle the priority offences, firms will need to make sure the features, functionalities and algorithms of their services are designed to prevent their users encountering them and minimise the length of time this content is available. This could be achieved by automated or human content moderation, banning illegal search terms, spotting suspicious users and having effective systems in place to prevent banned users opening new accounts.

New harmful online communications offences:

Ministers asked the Law Commission to review the criminal law relating to abusive and offensive online communications in the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Communications Act 2003.

The Commission found these laws have not kept pace with the rise of smartphones and social media. It concluded they were ill-suited to address online harm because they overlap and are often unclear for internet users, tech companies and law enforcement agencies.

It found the current law over-criminalises and captures 'indecent' images shared between two consenting adults - known as sexting - where no harm is caused. It also under-criminalises - resulting in harmful communications without appropriate criminal sanction. In particular, abusive communications posted in a public forum, such as posts on a publicly accessible social media page, may slip through the net because they have no intended recipient. It also found the current offences are sufficiently broad in scope that they could constitute a disproportionate interference in the right to freedom of expression.

In July the Law Commission recommended more coherent offences. The Digital Secretary today confirms new offences will be created and legislated for in the Online Safety Bill.

The new offences will capture a wider range of harms in different types of private and public online communication methods. These include harmful and abusive emails, social media posts and WhatsApp messages, as well as 'pile-on' harassment where many people target abuse at an individual such as in website comment sections. None of the offences will apply to regulated media such as print and online journalism, TV, radio and film.

The offences are:

A 'genuinely threatening' communications offence, where communications are sent or posted to convey a threat of serious harm.

This offence is designed to better capture online threats to rape, kill and inflict physical violence or cause people serious financial harm. It addresses limitations with the existing laws which capture 'menacing' aspects of the threatening communication but not genuine and serious threatening behaviour.

It will offer better protection for public figures such as MPs, celebrities or footballers who receive extremely harmful messages threatening their safety. It will address coercive and controlling online behaviour and stalking, including, in the context of domestic abuse, threats related to a partner's finances or threats concerning physical harm.

A harm-based communications offence to capture communications sent to cause harm without a reasonable excuse.

This offence will make it easier to prosecute online abusers by abandoning the requirement under the old offences for content to fit within proscribed yet ambiguous categories such as "grossly offensive," "obscene" or "indecent". Instead it is based on the intended psychological harm, amounting to at least serious distress, to the person who receives the communication, rather than requiring proof that harm was caused. The new offences will address the technical limitations of the old offences and ensure that harmful communications posted to a likely audience are captured.

The new offence will consider the context in which the communication was sent. This will better address forms of violence against women and girls, such as communications which may not seem obviously harmful but when looked at in light of a pattern of abuse could cause serious distress. For example, in the instance where a survivor of domestic abuse has fled to a secret location and the abuser sends the individual a picture of their front door or street sign.

It will better protect people's right to free expression online. Communications that are offensive but not harmful and communications sent with no intention to cause harm, such as consensual communication between adults, will not be captured. It will have to be proven in court that a defendant sent a communication without any reasonable excuse and did so intending to cause serious distress or worse, with exemptions for communication which contributes to a matter of public interest.

An offence for when a person sends a communication they know to be false with the intention to cause non-trivial emotional, psychological or physical harm.

Although there is an existing offence in the Communications Act that captures knowingly false communications, this new offence raises the current threshold of criminality. It covers false communications deliberately sent to inflict harm, such as hoax bomb threats, as opposed to misinformation where people are unaware what they are sending is false or genuinely believe it to be true. For example, if an individual posted on social media encouraging people to inject antiseptic to cure themselves of coronavirus, a court would have to prove that the individual knew this was not true before posting it.

The maximum sentences for each offence will differ. If someone is found guilty of a harm based offence they could go to prison for up to two years, up to 51 weeks for the false communication offence and up to five years for the threatening communications offence. The maximum sentence was six months under the Communications Act and two years under the Malicious Communications Act.

Professor Penney Lewis, Commissioner for Criminal Law, said:

The criminal law should target those who specifically intend to cause harm, while allowing people to share contested and controversial ideas in good faith. Our recommendations create a more nuanced set of criminal offences, which better protect victims of genuinely harmful communications as well as better protecting freedom of expression.

I am delighted that the Government has accepted these recommended offences.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Extending the list of priority offences in the Online Safety Bill

The draft Online Safety Bill in its current form already places a duty of care on internet companies which host user-generated content, such as social media and video-sharing platforms, as well as search engines, to limit the spread of illegal content on these services. It requires them to put in place systems and processes to remove illegal content as soon as they become aware of it but take additional proactive measures with regards to the most harmful 'priority' forms of online illegal content.

The priority illegal offences currently listed in the draft bill are terrorism and child sexual abuse and exploitation, with powers for the DCMS Secretary of State to designate further priority offences with Parliament's approval via secondary legislation once the bill becomes law. In addition to terrorism and child sexual exploitation and abuse, the further priority offences to be written onto the face of the bill includes illegal behaviour which has been outlawed in the offline world for years but also newer illegal activity which has emerged alongside the ability to target individuals or communicate en masse online.

This list has been developed using the following criteria: (i) the prevalence of such content on regulated services, (ii) the risk of harm being caused to UK users by such content and (iii) the severity of that harm.

The offences will fall in the following categories:

Encouraging or assisting suicide

Offences relating to sexual images i.e. revenge and extreme pornography

Incitement to and threats of violence

Hate crime

Public order offences - harassment and stalking

Drug-related offences

Weapons / firearms offences

Fraud and financial crime

Money laundering

Controlling, causing or inciting prostitutes for gain

Organised immigration offences

The Law Commission's review of harmful online communications

In 2019 the Law Commission began a review of the law relating to abusive and offensive communications. This review, sponsored by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, considered whether criminal offences in England and Wales sufficiently captured harmful communications online. In particular, it considered: Section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988 which criminalises the sending of communications that are indecent, grossly offensive, a threat, or false to another person, where the sender's purpose is to cause 'distress or anxiety'.

Section 127(1) of the Communications Act 2003 which criminalises the sending, via a 'public electronic communications network', of a message which is 'grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character,'.

Section 127(2) of the Communications Act 2003 which criminalises sending a message which is known to be false for the purpose of causing 'annoyance, inconvenience, or needless anxiety' to another.

The Commission published the final report of its review of harmful online communications and the role of the criminal law in combatting that behaviour, 'Modernising Communication Offences,' in July 2021. The government has today published its interim response to the Law Commission's report and confirmed it will take forward recommendations for three new offences - a harm-based offence, a false communications offence and a threatening communications offence.

The draft Online Safety Bill is focussed on the regulation of online platforms, while the new criminal offences apply to individuals. The new offences complement the regulatory regime and will help to achieve the bill's aim of making the UK a safer place to be online.

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Online safety law to be strengthened to stamp out illegal content

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List includes online drug and weapons dealing, people smuggling, revenge porn, fraud, promoting suicide and inciting or controlling prostitution for gain New criminal offences will be added to the bill to tackle domestic violence and threats to rape and kill Flagship UK laws to protect people online are being toughened up with new criminal offences and extra measures to force social media companies to stamp out the most harmful illegal content and criminal activity on their sites quicker.

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Today (Thursday 7th July) the Law Commission has set out new recommendations to the Government to criminalise 'downblousing' and the sharing of pornographic deepfakes without consent as part of a new reform to protect victims of intimate image abuse. The Commission is also putting in place a 'clearer legal framework' to simplify and strengthen the law around intimate image abuse whilst stating that these new reforms will lead to easier and tougher prosecutions for those who commit offences.

These new recommendations have been put forward in response to a review by the Law Commission around the current laws around intimate image abuse. It was recognised that perpetrators were evading prosecution due to 'gaps in law' that were not taking into account the wider ranges of intimate image abuse and thus failing to protect all adults experiencing these behaviours.

This new legal framework is looking to govern behaviours around intimate image abuse by breaking down and defining where an offence has occurred. These are as follows.

Base Offence: if someone intentionally takes or shares an intimate image without consent. This is regardless of motivation and not just related to causing humiliation or distress. This offence could lead to a maximum of 6 months in prison.

Three additional offences: the taking or sharing of an intimate image without consent with the motivation to obtain sexual gratification, cause humiliation, alarm or distress. This also includes if the perpetrator has threatened to share an intimate image. Offenders could be sentenced to 2 or 3 years' imprisonment.

Installing equipment: installing equipment (e.g. hidden camera), in order to take an intimate image of a person without their consent would be considered an offence.

As part of this new reform, the Law Commission has also stated that all victims of intimate image abuse will receive 'lifetime anonymity' in an effort to empower adults experiencing intimate image abuse to report incidents and 'support prosecutions'. This has come in response to only adults experiencing voyeurism or Upskirting being currently eligible for anonymity.

Sophie Mortimer (Revenge Porn Helpline Manager at SWGfL said):
"We welcome the publication of the Law Commission's final report and recommendations on the taking, making and sharing of intimate images without consent. There is much included here that will, once in law, protect the people that come to the Revenge Porn Helpline for advice and support. Vitally important is the focus on the consent of those in intimate images; and the right to anonymity will give a crucial protection to those whose consent has been violated. These recommendations make it clear that this abuse is not acceptable and those who perpetrate it will face serious and appropriate consequences. We encourage government to ensure the swift and smooth enactment and enforcement of this legislation so that these additional protections are available to everyone as soon as possible."

Commenting on the reforms for Government, Professor Penney Lewis, the Law Commissioner for Criminal Law, said:
"Sharing intimate images of a person without their consent can be incredibly distressing and harmful for victims, with the experience often scarring them for life. "Current laws on taking or sharing sexual or nude images of someone without their consent are inconsistent, based on a narrow set of motivations and do not go far enough to cover disturbing and abusive new behaviours born in the smartphone era. "Our new reforms for Government will broaden the scope of the criminal law to ensure that no perpetrators of these deeply damaging acts can evade prosecution, and that victims are given effective protection." Read the Release

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'Downblousing' and Sharing Pornographic Deepfakes Without Consent Listed Under New Law Commission Reforms

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Today (Thursday 7th July) the Law Commission has set out new recommendations to the Government to criminalise 'downblousing' and the sharing of pornographic deepfakes without consent as part of a new reform to protect victims of intimate image abuse.

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DACES - Derbyshire Adult Community Education

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It's hard for me to write this letter, as there are many things I want to say, to the me that I was back then. I get that you just wanted to belong, I really do. I know how tough it was to feel like an outsider, not to feel like you fitted in anywhere. You felt like life was going nowhere, no one wanted to know a kid with bad grades and a record of bad behaviour. It seems no one really believed in you or saw your potential. Then someone made you feel heard. A friend who felt just the same as you, who really 'got' you. He talked about the reasons things were going wrong, for you, for him, other friends, family. It seemed to make sense. He talked about immigrants, injustice and race. And you listened without questioning. I wish you hadn't. Instead, you started to speak just like him and I wish you hadn't. You met more new friends online who shared the same views as you. And worse. They lied to you John. They made you feel welcome. You didn't realise they were just using you. The dangers of extremism wasn't something you understood, you only began to realise a while later. You felt part of something for the first time in a long time and it felt good. It felt good to be with them, to take part in extremist rallies, to share a voice. It made you feel powerful and gave you a sense of purpose, when before you had nothing and felt you were going nowhere. Your old friends and family didn't understand, they didn't 'get' you. I wish you had pressed pause and looked around to see the hurt and upset you were causing then. Now it's clear how angry you were, and scared. Too scared to choose another path, despite some of the opinions and content not sitting well with you. I wish you had seen how you were beginning not to belong, with those who really did care about you. Who wanted you to lead your best life, not your worst. Back then, you didn't know that you could choose your own path, that you didn't need to follow people you thought had your best interests at heart, but who really were using you for their own agenda. I wish you had realised then, that they didn't speak for you. They don't speak for anyone who wants a better world. You got so far in, you didn't know how to get back out. It was scary I know, to turn your back on those preaching hate, those who are just looking to others to blame for things that go wrong in life. But you did it John. I'm proud of you. I'm proud of you for taking up the offer of support and the chance to turn your life around. And it was hard. So hard to have your views challenged, to hear some of the facts you had been told by your new 'friends' weren't even true. So hard to no longer belong to a group of people you felt had welcomed you in, online and off. It took time, but you did it and look how far you've come. Now you are supporting other people who want to escape extremism. And you get them, you know the struggle they are going through. You never thought you could change people's lives for the better, but with support you did it and I am proud of the you, that I have now become.

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