When the former Conservative MP for Southend, Sir David Amess, was murdered by an Islamist, a bizarre and misconceived debate followed, not about Islamism but online civility.
On Wednesday 12 February 2025, Nick Timothy MP told the House of Commons that the UK urgently needs to end the denialism about Islamist extremism, and make sure the Prevent programme focuses on nullifying this huge threat to public safety.
To read the exchange in Hansard click here and go to column 279. It is also reproduced below.
Nick Timothy MP: I echo the Minister’s praise for Sir David, who was a loved friend to so many, including many Members in this House. I welcome today’s statement, which is a sobering reminder of the importance of getting the Prevent programme right. The seriousness of the statement contrasts sharply with the immediate reaction and debate that followed Sir David’s murder, when there was, to be frank, a bizarre and misplaced rush to talk about issues such as online civility, rather than the clear threat that was behind the murder. Will the Minister join me in saying it is time for an end to the denialism we often see around the threat from Islamism, and, recognising what he said about the changing nature of the threat, does he agree that as the major terror threat that we face, Islamist extremism should always be Prevent’s top priority?
Dan Jarvis MP, Minister of State for Security: The hon. Gentleman speaks with long experience from working both at the heart of Government and in the Home Office. He makes some important points, and I assure him that I will give them further consideration. He is also right, though, to reference the changing nature of the threat. Of course, Islamist extremism presents the single biggest challenge that we face as a country, as the director general of MI5 made clear in his annual threat lecture back in October. The hon. Gentleman will have heard my earlier response to the shadow Home Secretary on the number of referrals—we are looking very closely at that. I am grateful to him for his contribution, which I will reflect on further. I am always happy to discuss this issue with him.
