Sara Khan, who heads up the commission for Countering Extremism, has carried out the first-ever national conversation on extremism and reviewed the government’s current approach.

The commission is today (Monday 7 October) publishing its findings and recommendations in a new report, Challenging Hateful Extremism.

The report identifies a new category of extremist behaviour outside of terrorism and violent extremism, which it calls hateful extremism.

It summarises hateful extremism:

• behaviours that can incite and amplify hate, or engage in persistent hatred, or equivocate about and make the moral case for violence

• that draw on hateful, hostile or supremacist beliefs directed at an out-group who are perceived as a threat to the wellbeing, survival or success of an in-group

• that cause, or are likely to cause, harm to individuals, communities or wider society

The commission puts forward examples, case studies and the testimony of victims to show the harmful and dangerous consequences of hateful extremism.

• Examples of inciting and amplifying of hatred against others include the active propagation of anti-minority hatred from Far Right demonstrations in Sunderland or activists from Hizb ut-Tahrir spreading hate-filled views about LGBTQ+ people during the row over relationships teaching in Birmingham.

• Examples of making the moral case for violence include a director from an Islamist organisation describing a British suicide bomber’s act as “a price worth paying” or an activist from a banned Far Right group tweeting that the man who murdered Jo Cox MP was “a hero, we need more people like him to butcher the race traitors”.

• Examples of persistent hatred towards individuals including the shocking finding that three quarters of those countering extremism on the ground had personally received abuse, intimidation or harassment – because of their work.

Sara Khan says that, unlike our response to terrorism, the current response to hateful extremism is inadequate and unfocused, leaving victims unrecognised and those countering it unsupported.

She calls for a new focus on hateful extremism and a robust, victim-centred and rights-based approach to ensure we respond proportionately to the threat.

The commission recommends a rebooted government strategy and a new taskforce led by the Home Secretary.

Through the taskforce the Home Secretary will provide leadership within government, building on the expertise of those who have been working to challenge hateful extremism elsewhere in society – as with the serious violence taskforce. This will be vital while developing the new strategy.

The report demonstrates the need to recognise and respond more effectively to incidents when they emerge. Victims need to be better protected, counter extremists better supported and hateful extremists better challenged.

Under the proposals the commission would work with the Home Secretary, task force, government bodies and civil society to assess any ongoing or emerging situations and put this response in place.

The report also confirms that the commission will “generate a full, working definition of hateful extremism, to allow everyone to feel more confident in identifying and countering it”.

The Commission

Established in March 2018, the C#commission’s work is built on impartiality, evidence and engagement.

The lead commissioner visited 20 towns and cities; held a series of workshops, roundtables and interviews; spoke to experts, activists and critics and received almost 3,000 responses to a call for evidence.

The commission has also gathered evidence from inside and out of government – including publishing 17 papers from academics.

The report reveals:

• Deep concern about extremism, with some 76% of people saying more needs to be done to challenge extremism and almost 50% of consultation respondents having witnessed some form of extremism – many in their own area.

• Analysis that identifies a category of harmful issues that are not terrorism, which the report calls “hateful extremism”. The report shows how hateful extremists are exploiting local tensions in our towns and cities to propagate their hate and recruit others.

• Heart-breaking testimony of victims and those on the frontline. The commission reveals a first-of-its-kind breakdown of the harms of hateful extremism which include social division, censorship and restriction of freedom, crime, violence and harassment.

• The results of a review of the government’s current counter-extremism strategy, which it concludes suffers from being “broad” and “unfocused” and is built on a definition considered “unhelpful” by 75% of public respondents to the call for evidence. The report assesses that despite the threat of hateful extremism, the response is insufficient.

• Recommendations for a rebooted government strategy and whole society response to hateful extremism built on greater leadership, deeper understanding and effective interventions – including plans for a strengthened commission to help drive the changes. Summary of recommendations below.

• The assessment that the commission has “not yet heard a strong case for more powers to directly counter extremism”. But has heard, and believes, that existing powers need to be applied better and more consistently.

• The need for a clear distinction between work to counter violent extremism or terrorism, challenge hateful extremism and build cohesive communities. It also says our right to be radical, to protest and be offensive should be protected.

Lead Commissioner Sara Khan said:

We are a wonderfully diverse and inclusive society. We must not allow extremists to normalise their hatred.

I am putting forward a clear description of hateful extremism – the inciting or amplifying of hate, the hateful targeting of individuals and making the moral case for violence.

Our country’s response to terrorism is robust. This is not the case for hateful extremism. Yet if we are to be successful in reducing the extremist threat in our society, we need to focus our efforts on challenging hateful extremism.

We are not doing enough to protect victims. We underestimate the impact of those that make the moral case for violence.

We can, and must, do more to address the spread of hateful extremism on our streets and online.

The government must urgently overhaul its approach to challenging extremism, starting with a new definition of hateful extremism, a new government strategy and a Home Secretary-led taskforce.

But this is not just a job for government.

“The challenge of hateful extremism requires a whole society response built on greater leadership, deeper understanding and innovative interventions.

We must get behind those who are bravely challenging individuals and groups who are engaged in hateful extremism in society.

I am proposing a strengthened commission to drive the changes we need.

I want to thank everyone who has contributed experience, expertise and evidence.

Recommendations for government

• A rebooted Counter-Extremism strategy based on a new definition of hateful extremism

• A Home Secretary-chaired hateful extremism task force bringing together those inside and outside government to oversee the response to extremism incidents.

• Clarity on the difference between counter terrorism, countering hateful extremism and building cohesive communities.

• More support and protection for organisations and individuals who are countering extremism.

Recommendations for a whole society response

• National and local politicians, community and faith leaders must be consistent in their actions against hateful extremism.

• Organisations countering extremism must continue their efforts, and work with the commission to build understanding and interventions against hateful extremism – backed by sustainable funding from charitable sources.

• Social media companies must reduce the hostile atmosphere on their platforms.

Recommendations for a strengthened Commission for Countering Extremism

• the commission should be placed on a statutory basis to guarantee independence along with information sharing powers.

• two additional commissioners for specific areas of work, including a review of existing legislation.

• a small and dedicated network of counter extremism organisations to identify emerging issues and put in place interventions

• pioneering research including a commitment to develop and test a full, working definition of hateful extremism

• review existing legislation that addresses hateful extremism and can protect victims and counter extremists from abuse

• trial new and innovative interventions and develop a new toolbox of measures.

Alongside the full report the commission will publish a series of supporting documents:

• a paper from NatCen summarising a series of focus groups
• two papers from Kings College London which analysed the findings of the Call for Evidence
• four further academic papers, three on Islamist extremism and one on Sikh activism.
• a survey of people working to counter extremism
• the commission’s latest summary of engagement

Expert group members

Fiyaz Mughal, Founder and Director of Faith Matters, said:

This report by the Commission for Countering Extremism captures what many activists, campaigners and counter-extremism professionals have been saying for years.

There is a cumulative personal, organisational and societal set of extremism impacts that toxifies local and regional communities and the values of the nation. For years, activists challenging extremism have been intimidated, smeared and maligned, and the centrist voices of our communities have been pressurised to keep quiet. This report highlights the national cost of extremism and why we need to redouble our efforts to challenge the purveyors of hateful extremism, and their ideologies and funders.

Dr Julian Hargreaves, Research Fellow at the Woolf Institute, said:

A working description of ‘hateful extremism’ will allow us to assess everyday situations from the viewpoint of the victim, giving us a much better tool to protect and understand those who are targeted by extremist hatred and hostility.

The previous government definition lacked clarity and has not been well-received by the public. The new approach focuses on people and their everyday experiences of victimisation. This will make extremism easier to measure and therefore easier to tackle at a community level.

Peter Tatchell, Director Peter Tatchell Foundation, said:

This is a timely and valuable report as the UK faces on-going threats from far right and Islamist extremism. It demonstrates the need for a new approach from the government and communities to tackle hateful extremism, while also protecting freedom of expression.

Sunder Katwala, Director of independent thinktank British Future, said:

Our society can often feel more divided than any of us would like, with a coming General Election likely to raise the temperature yet further. The commission sets out a framework for building consensus on how to define, isolate and take down hateful extremism – without limiting free speech or being derailed by the polarised political climate. People can express opposing views strongly – but there should be no place for hatred in Britain.

The commission has an expert group which has provided independent advice and challenge. A list of members is on the commission’s website.

Advice for British fans travelling to the Czech Republic for the Czech Republic vs England – UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier match on Friday 11 October 2019

Date: Friday 11 October 2019

Venue: City SINOBO Stadium, Prague, Czech Republic

Kick-off time: 20:45 (local time)

Passports, visas and insurance

See the information and advice in our travel advice for the Czech Republic and check with your airline about your passport/ID requirements well before you travel.

If you are a British national you don’t need a visa to travel to the Czech Republic.

Remember to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This covers emergency treatment only and does not cover repatriation. It does not cover all medical treatment or repatriation, so we recommend that you also take out travel insurance before coming to the Czech Republic – even if you’re only going for one night – it could save you a lot of money if you get into difficulties.

Carry your passport on you securely at all times. You must be able to show some form of photo ID if requested. A photocopy is not acceptable. Keep a copy of your passport in a safe place separate from your real passport. If you lose your passport while in the Czech Republic you will need to apply for an Emergency Travel Document online which costs £100.

Getting to the stadium

The Sinobo Stadium is located in the south east of the city of Prague, approximately 4 kilometres from Prague’s historic centre.

The stadium is served by buses and trams, with stops for both using the name Slavia. Trams 4, 7, 22 and 24 run along Vršovická street, north of the stadium, while bus services 135, 136, 150 and 213 stop on U Slavie street, immediately west of the stadium. The nearest metro station is Želivského and the nearest train station is Praha-Vršovice – both are approximately 20 minute walk.

You must buy a ticket before you travel and validate it via the machine when you board. You can be fined on the spot if you are travelling with a ticket that has not been validated. You can buy tickets at most large hotels, metro stations and at many newspaper stands (‘Trafika’) and convenience stores.

At the match

The Sinobo Stadium is the national stadium with a capacity of 22,000. You won’t be allowed to enter the stadium without a ticket. Please arrive well before kick-off, the stadium will open at 18:45. The England entrances are at Gates 3 and 4. The ticket office for late collections will be situated outside the initial visual ticket check area at Gate 3 or inside the stadium box office at Gate 4.

As in the UK you may be searched on the way into the stadium. Any dangerous or banned items will be removed for example, knives, umbrellas, drugs and alcohol. No large bags or rucksacks are permitted but left baggage facilities are available. Please co-operate fully with any security instructions on the evening. Visiting supporters will be asked to remain in the stadium after the match to allow the home fans to disperse. Should this change there will be clear announcements in English.

Tips

• as in any other city beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at airports, railway stations, around the city centre and when using public transport – only carry what you need and leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposits

• drinking in the streets, is illegal, and on-the-spot fines may be issued. Drunken or offensive behaviour is dealt with according to Czech law and may result in detention and or fines

• as well as this advice, check out our travel advice for Czech Republic

• the Czech Republic is normally a safe place to visit. If you take all the relevant precautions and plan your trip, then you have a better chance of having a stress free visit. Have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Czech Republic and enjoy the match.

• EURO 2020 tips for the match video

British Embassy

Emergency services numbers

• Emergencies 112
• Ambulance 155
• Police 158
• Fire brigade 150

Email: prague.consular@fco.gov.uk

Facebook: Brits in the Czech Republic

Departments across the Operational Delivery Profession are currently getting ready for this year’s National Customer Service Week (NCSW), which is being held from 7 – 11 October 2019.

Supported by the Institute of Customer Service, the week-long campaign is a fantastic opportunity for us all to celebrate the outstanding customer service, demonstrated across ODP every day, as well as really focusing on the service we deliver, reflecting on our own skills and the skills of our teams.

You can find out more about the campaign here including how to access resources to promote in your department – https://www.instituteofcustomerservice.com/events/ncsw

Here in ODP we have a strong link to customer service and we are committed to helping you to boost your skills. Find out more about the package of qualifications on offer to you in ODP here – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/qualifications. We also offer a comprehensive apprenticeship to enhance your skills further, find out more here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/apprenticeships.

Customer service is always a hot topic in ODP, and throughout the week we will bring you a range of learning and reading linked to the daily themes, as well as sharing best practice from our colleagues across the profession.
Keep checking this article for more updates throughout the week and we’ll be posting bitesize tips and learning on our social media channels. Not following us on social? Check out our Twitter page here – https://twitter.com/OpsDelProf or if you prefer Facebook, you can access our account here – https://www.facebook.com/OpsDelProf/ Remember to use the #ProudToBeODP and #NCSW2019 to link to the campaign, you can also tag us in @OpsDelProf.

Looking for inspiration to run your own activities during NCSW2019? The Surge and Rapid Response Team (SRRT) are supporting the campaign with all nine hubs sharing nominations and success stories for their very own Customer Service Champions Awards. A judging panel has been agreed who will be presenting awards at exclusive ceremonies throughout the week.

They will also be holding information sessions on what NCSW means in SRRT, sharing in buzz sessions in the lead up to the campaign. The team will then be running customer service quizzes, promoting specific learning as part of the ODP offer, hosting a dial-in with senior management team and holding drop in sessions for colleagues to talk to managers about their customer service issues, successes or ambitions.

Colleagues in HM Passport Office are getting involved, taking each daily theme as a base to run sessions on subjects such as Exit surveys, customer segmentation sessions, hitting the self-assessment target and of course, celebrating customer service superhero awards.

The Department for Work and Pensions will be promoting the campaign throughout the week by running a variety of web-based activities and highlighting different aspects of customer service, linking to our main ODP campaign as well.

It’s certainly shaping up to be a great week. As always, we would love to hear from you so if you are running a NCSW event we haven’t mentioned, and you want to get involved, please do get in touch and tell us about it – odp.crossgovernmentcommunications@hmrc.gov.uk

Changes to standards for blinds in 2014 have led to improved product safety.

New blinds with looped cords must have child safety devices installed at the point of manufacture or sold with the blind.

However, blinds installed earlier may not have these features and millions of households could be affected. Our advice will help you make your home safer for your children and young visitors.

Fit a tidy, tensioner or a cleat: tidies and tensioners should be firmly fixed to an adjoining surface so that the cord or chain are permanently held tight.

Cleats should be positioned out of children’s reach on an adjacent surface, at least 1.5 metres from the floor.

Cords should be fastened in a figure of eight after every use of the blind, making sure all the spare cord is secured on the cleat.

Move furniture away from windows. Children love to climb, so keep furniture clear of window blinds. This includes cots, beds, highchairs and playpens.

For more information and advice, go to:

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

Child Accident Prevention Trust

Trading Standards

Make it Safe

Support our campaign by retweeting us or sending out these important messages yourself, using the hashtag #blindcordsafety

Download our campaign materials:

Print ready poster and leaflet

Poster and leaflet for immediate use

With just a year to go before the first T Levels are taught, the Government has today (7 October) ramped up its preparations by launching a nationwide campaign so that young people can take advantage of these pioneering new qualifications and get a head start in their careers.

T Levels are high-quality, technical equivalents to world-class A levels. The new courses have been co-created with leading employers, including the Bank of England, the British Army, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Fujitsu, and award-winning hairdresser Lee Stafford so that they provide the knowledge and skills industry need and will set more young people on a path to a rewarding job, an apprenticeship or university.

The ‘NexT Level’ campaign will feature across social media, on-demand television, posters and other digital platforms. There will also be a new website so that young people preparing to take their GCSEs next summer, and starting to consider their next steps, will have all the information they need to choose the path that is right for them.

video

The Government has also published its latest T Level Action Plan today which confirms the details of the remaining 15 T Levels – to be introduced from 2022 and 2023 – as well as the selection criteria for providers wishing to deliver T Levels in 2022.

Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said:

T Levels are a complete game changer – high-quality technical courses that will give young people a head start in their careers and that will rival top performing technical education systems like those offered in Germany.

With less than a year to go before the first T Levels are taught, we want to make sure young people and their parents know all about the brilliant opportunities these new qualifications will offer. Our new campaign will help make sure they have all the info they need.

I’m also pleased to confirm the details of the final 15 T Levels that will be taught from 2022 and 2023, in vital sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and legal, which completes the suite of 25 new courses that will be rolled out over the next four years.

There will be 25 T Levels in total which are being phased in over the next four years. The first three T Levels in Digital, Education and Childcare and Construction will be taught from September 2020 at selected schools, colleges and other further education providers across England. An additional seven will be rolled out from 2021, which includes three in Health and Science.

T Levels in Legal, Finance & Accounting, Engineering & Manufacturing and Business & Administration will be introduced from 2022. From 2023, T Levels in Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care, Creative and Design, Hair and Beauty and Catering and Hospitality will also be available.

New guidance for T Level providers who will offer the T Level Transition Programme has also been published. The programme is designed to help young people, who may not be quite ready, get the support they need to progress onto T Levels and subsequently to fulfilling careers.

Award winning hairdresser, Lee Stafford, said:

The Hair and Beauty industry has been crying out for a qualification that recognises talented young people and offers high quality on-the-job training.

The new T Levels, which I helped to develop, give students the time and skills they need to be job ready and have a successful career.

Dr Elaine Cloutman-Green, Clinical Lecturer Infection Prevention and Control, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, UCL:

Deciding which degree to choose can be challenging, especially when young people aren’t always aware of the job routes available to them. The new Healthcare T Level – which I helped to develop – prioritises the skills the NHS needs so that students are prepared for work as well as higher education.

By offering students insight into roles such as a Healthcare Scientist, they are offered the opportunity to progress in a highly sought after vocation that’s right for them.

Sir Gerry Berragan, Chief Executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, said:

We are extremely excited about launching T Levels that will provide a gold standard of technical education on par with A Levels.

The Institute fully supports this campaign. It’s important that potential students and their parents are aware that they will be rolled out from next academic year. We know that many young people are looking for an exciting alternative to the academic route and want to start training for their chosen careers after completing their GCSEs.

T Levels will be two-year courses equivalent to three A levels. They will combine classroom theory and practical learning and will be available to 16-19 years olds who have completed their GCSEs. A unique part of a T Level is the completion of a high-quality industry placement of at least 315 hours (or around 45 days) or so that students can build the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a workplace environment.

The government recently announced a £400 million boost for the further education sector – the biggest injection of new money in a single year since 2010. This is in addition to the funding previously committed to support the sector to deliver T Levels – rising to half a billion pounds when T Levels are all fully rolled out. This significant increase in FE funding next year means T Level providers will benefit from even more cash to deliver high-quality courses from 2020.

Part of the funding being made available by the Government to deliver T Levels is a £20 million investment to help prepare the further education sector for the introduction of the new courses. This includes the £8 million T Level Professional Development offer which is already helping teachers and staff prepare for the roll-out of the new qualifications and the £5 million Taking Teaching Further programme which aims to attract industry experts to work in the sector. Up to £60 million was also invested in 2018 to 2019 through the Industry Placement Capacity and Delivery Fund to support further education providers to be ready to deliver high-quality industry placements as part of T Levels.

UCAS also recently confirmed that T Levels will attract points equivalent to three A levels. This means young people, parents and employers can be confident T Levels will be just as stretching as their academic equivalents and will offer students the option of progressing to the next level, whether that is a job, higher technical training, a degree or an apprenticeship.