Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Prevent Learning Review 2025-02-12

12 February 2025 · 16 other contributors

Opened by The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis Lab Lab

Crime & Law EnforcementCommunity SecurityParliamentary Procedure

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis raised concerns about prevent learning review 2025-02-12 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister for Security announced the publication of the Prevent learning review into the attacker of Sir David Amess.
  • The review highlighted issues with vulnerability assessments and record-keeping related to the attacker's case in 2014-2015.
  • Four recommendations were made to improve the Prevent system following the review.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis

Today, the Minister for Security announced the publication of the Prevent learning review into the attacker of Sir David Amess. The perpetrator was referred to Prevent in 2014 and exited due to a low terrorism risk assessment in 2015. The review found issues with vulnerability assessments and record-keeping during this period. Since then, significant changes have been made to Prevent policy and guidance under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. Four recommendations were made: improving referral processes, strengthening intelligence checks, updating assessment tools, and maintaining data retention periods. These reforms have been implemented, including a single national referral form and new training for police staff. The Minister also mentioned concerns over local policing in Essex and the importance of ensuring security measures for MPs are properly implemented. He thanked Mr Speaker for his leadership on these matters.

Other contributors (16)
  • Chris Philp Con Croydon South

    Question

    Mr Philp thanked the Minister for providing advance sight of his statement and reviewed the Prevent learning review. He acknowledged the improvements made since 2014 but expressed concern over local policing in Essex, specifically regarding the handling of the case by Essex Police.

    Minister reply

    The Home Secretary has written to the chief constable and police and crime commissioner of Essex police asking them to set out how the investigation will be conducted. The process must follow its course, and updates on the progress of the investigation will be provided.

  • David Burton-Sampson Lab Southend West

    Question

    None of us in the House can imagine the pain, suffering, and anger that the Amess family are going through after losing their beloved Sir David: their father and husband. We will never forget Sir David in Southend and we should hold them in our thoughts today.

    Minister reply

    I very grateful to my hon. Friend for his commitment to supporting the Amess family. I assure him that we will continue to work closely with the family, providing support and ensuring they receive the answers they need.

  • Dan Jarvis Lab

    Question

    I would welcome further assurances that the commissioner's remit includes looking at Prevent's communication with other agencies such as local authorities and different police forces. Will the Minister outline how communities will be consulted on upcoming counter-extremism strategies?

    Minister reply

    The Home Secretary and I look forward to working closely with Lord Anderson, who is an expert in this area of public policy. We are also committed to updating the House about progress on counter-extremism work being progressed very closely with other Departments.

  • Bayo Alaba Lab

    Question

    Sir David Amess was a hugely respected parliamentarian who worked every day with true compassion. I commend the Prevent learning review published today and ask how we can prevent such tragic attacks in future.

    Minister reply

    I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his words. We are committed to preventing anything so tragic from ever happening again. My thoughts and prayers will always be with Sir David's friends and family.

  • Mark Francois Con

    Question

    I welcome what the Minister said about an inquiry into whether Essex police could have done more to protect Sir David Amess. Will the Minister and the Home Secretary consider in detail under the Southport inquiry's auspices, given the exceptional circumstances?

    Minister reply

    The right hon. Gentleman is sitting below another shield. Members across the House understand the pain experienced with the loss of our colleagues. The terms of reference of the Southport inquiry are still a matter of discussion between the Home Secretary, the Home Office and the families in that particular case.

  • Mike Tapp Lab

    Question

    The murder of Sir David Amess cut to the very heart of democracy. I have spoken to many colleagues across the House who feel unsafe due to abuse and harassment, so is the Minister confident that these measures will make us feel safer in this House?

    Minister reply

    I can give my hon. Friend an absolute assurance that we are organising and marshalling resources across Government, working with law enforcement and operational partners, and co-operating very closely with Mr Speaker and the House authorities to ensure Members of this House can perform their duties safely.

  • Nick Timothy Con

    Question

    I welcome today’s statement on the importance of getting the Prevent programme right. 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 does he agree that as the major terror threat we face, Islamist extremism should always be Prevent's top priority?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Gentleman speaks with long experience from working both at the heart of Government and in the Home Office. He is right to reference the changing nature of the threat. Of course, Islamist extremism presents the single biggest challenge that we face as a country.

  • Matt Bishop Lab Forest of Dean

    Question

    Paying tribute to Sir David Amess and expressing respect for officers, Matt Bishop asks the Minister if he agrees that Sir David exemplified the best traditions of this place. He also inquires about the Minister's statement on the Prevent programme and requests a broader look at whether it is serving its intended purpose.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis agrees with Matt Bishop’s characterisation of Sir David Amess, paying tribute to him and other officers. He acknowledges the concerns raised and commits to stepping back to assess if current processes are appropriate, working closely with Lord Anderson for a strategic review.

  • Andrew Snowden Con Fylde

    Question

    Recalling his own experience as Lancashire’s police and crime commissioner, Mr Andrew Snowden highlights the need for action on the identified issues. He asks about the disparity between Islamist attacks and Prevent referrals and questions if it's time to take a broader strategic look.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis agrees with the disparity noted and commits to ensuring that processes are as effective as possible. He will work closely with Lord Anderson for an analysis of whether current mechanisms are fit for purpose.

  • Alex Barros-Curtis Lab Cardiff West

    Question

    Expressing sympathy for Sir David Amess's family and friends, Mr Alex Barros-Curtis asks about the implementation of Prevent review recommendations and the need for coordination between various agencies.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis assures that lessons will be learned from the reviews and collaboration among relevant agencies will be ensured. He mentions the defending democracy taskforce as a mechanism to provide a coordinated response.

  • Stephen Gethins SNP Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

    Question

    Acknowledging Sir David Amess's kindness, Stephen Gethins asks about an ongoing assessment of the efficiency of Prevent and Channel programmes and cooperation with social media companies.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis commits to ensuring that lessons from reviews are properly actioned. He mentions Lord Anderson’s review as a priority for Government to satisfy Members and people around the country.

  • Luke Myer Lab Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland

    Question

    Expressing concern about hate preacher Mohamed Hoblos visiting Middlesbrough, Luke Myer asks about steps being taken for that specific case and broader actions against hate preachers.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis assures careful consideration of the circumstances raised. He mentions disruptive immigration measures available to refuse entry if assessed as not conducive to public good.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Paying tribute to Sir David Amess and discussing safety concerns, Jim Shannon asks about ensuring support for the Prevent programme and protecting public officials and MPs’ staff.

    Minister reply

    Dan Jarvis acknowledges the need for accessible support for Prevent while ensuring security measures are in place. He emphasises commitment to keeping citizens safe from known suspects.

  • Chris Murray Lab Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

    Question

    Will the Minister outline how the new Prevent commissioner will provide independent scrutiny?

    Minister reply

    The new Prevent commissioner, an outstanding appointment, will bring extensive experience to assess and enhance our current framework. We are confident in their ability to provide the necessary oversight.

  • Amanda Martin Lab Portsmouth North

    Question

    What steps will be taken to ensure all relevant agencies act upon lessons learned from past incidents?

    Minister reply

    We have established mechanisms for learning and implementing actions. However, we remain open to further discussions with affected families to identify any additional areas requiring attention.

Shadow Comment

Chris Philp

The shadow Home Secretary, Chris Philp, thanked the Security Minister for providing advance sight of the statement and Prevent learning review. He expressed deep respect for Sir David Amess, who was beloved by all in the House. Mr Philp acknowledged the work done to improve Prevent since 2014 but also highlighted ongoing concerns over local policing in Essex and the need for thorough investigations into these issues.

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