The UK's anti-radicalisation programme Prevent recorded its highest ever annual number of referrals, with official figures showing a 39% surge driven largely by concerns over extreme right-wing ideology.
Data released by the Home Office on Thursday revealed that between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025, a total of 10,293 people were referred to the scheme in England and Wales. This is the highest 12-month total since records began in April 2015.
Prevent is an early intervention initiative designed to steer individuals away from terrorism. According to the Home Office, a referral is made to police when there are concerns that a person may be susceptible to radicalisation or could be at risk of becoming involved in or supporting terrorism. The scheme does not result in a criminal record; instead, it focuses on safeguarding individuals and protecting the public.
Extreme right-wing ideology leads concerns
The latest statistics show that the most common reason for referral was extreme right-wing views, accounting for around 20% of all cases. This represents a 42% increase compared with the previous 12 months. In contrast, referrals related to Islamist extremism made up just 8% of the total, although the Home Office noted that Islamist terrorism remains the primary terrorist threat in the UK and that referral trends are kept under close review.
The rise in far-right referrals comes against a backdrop of growing support for hard-right political movements in the UK. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, and Restore Britain, fronted by Rupert Lowe, have championed anti-immigration policies, while activists such as Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) have been active at protests and rallies across the country.
Surge in referrals linked to Southport attack
The data also highlighted a spike in referrals related to a fascination with extreme violence or mass casualty attacks. Between April and June 2025, 286 such referrals were recorded, though this fell to 183 in the following quarter, partly due to reduced activity from educational settings during the summer holidays.
A report by Lord David Anderson, the former Independent Prevent Commissioner, suggested that the surge in early 2025 was likely linked to the publicity surrounding the Southport attack in July 2024, when Axel Rudakubana killed three young girls in a knife attack. Rudakubana had been referred to Prevent three times before the attack.
When a referral is deemed to indicate a risk of radicalisation, the case is passed to Channel, a voluntary multi-agency safeguarding service. Channel offers support such as mentoring, education, theological guidance, and careers assistance. Those who decline support are offered alternative methods, and police can escalate cases to a Police-Led Partnership if the risk increases.
The growing number of referrals is placing increasing strain on Channel. The Home Office said it is working to ensure the programme operates as smoothly as possible, providing advice on best practice and ensuring case management processes are robust and efficient.
The figures come as European countries grapple with similar challenges. In Spain, the recent surge in migrant arrivals to Ceuta has prompted calls for EU action, with the mayor urging Brussels to deport migrants after a border surge. Meanwhile, the EU has backed Spain's response, as ministers seek a common approach.
While the UK is no longer part of the EU, its approach to counter-terrorism remains closely watched across the continent. The rise in far-right referrals reflects a broader European trend, where populist and nationalist movements have gained ground in recent years.
