“Cultural Nationalism” | PREVENT | Home Secretary

Dear Home Secretary

Re:  Perversion of PREVENT’s purpose in order to both oppress valid views on immigration and to fund the promotion of Islamist ideology

We represent a group of concerned citizens who have recently been made aware of the definition of “Cultural Nationalism” set out in PREVENT’s training material[i].  You will likely be aware that this very wide definition implies that a large section of the U.K. population would fall within the scope of “Cultural Nationalism” for simply expressing reasonable views about immigration.  In particular, a majority (or a plurality) wish to see immigration reduced due to a number of factors including those referred to under “Cultural Nationalism[ii]”.  We are concerned that the resources of PREVENT are being diverted by open-borders and left-leaning idealogues to oppress such reasonable and non-violent views.

Even more worryingly, the 2023 external Shawcross review indicates that PREVENT has come under the influence of strong lobbying from groups who are to some extent sympathetic to Islamist ideology.  An unfeasibly low percentage of PREVENT referrals (22% in 2021) relate to Islamist extremism[iii].  This low level of referrals is completely misaligned with the reality that around 80% of counter-terrorism police investigations relate to Islamist terrorism[iv].

Most worrying of all, PREVENT has been funding non-governmental organisations (NGOs) whose views and activities are directly opposed to PREVENT’s purpose.  In one case, the head of one of the recipients of PREVENT funding (Fatima Institute[v]) claimed that the Taliban should be given “the benefit of doubt”[vi].  A quick review of this institute’s activities (including the provision of Fatwa under Sharia law to adjudicate legal questions[vii]) indicates that it is a wholly inappropriate recipient of PREVENT funding.

We would like to receive positive assurance that PREVENT’s definition of Cultural Nationalism will be urgently withdrawn and replaced by proper wording which is consistent with PREVENT’s actual purpose.

Furthermore, we would like assurance that PREVENT is operated in compliance with the Civil Service Code on impartiality[viii].  In particular, we would like to receive assurance that PREVENT staff are not recipients of politically motivated training.

We look forward to hearing from you in due course and would be happy to meet with any relevant representative of the Home Department.  We have informed our respective members and the wider public that we have sent this letter to you.

Yours sincerely[ix],