Cameron leads task force to drive extremism out of universities

Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Extremism Taskforce, set up to confront and ultimately defeat the threat of extremism and terrorism, especially in leading Britain's universities.

Cameron said: "I said in July that tackling extremism will be the struggle of our generation, one which we will defeat if we work together.

"All public institutions have a role to play in rooting out and challenging extremism. It is not about oppressing free speech or stifling academic freedom, it is about making sure that radical views and ideas are not given the oxygen they need to flourish. Schools, universities and colleges, more than anywhere else, have a duty to protect impressionable young minds and ensure that our young people are given every opportunity to reach their potential."

At least 70 events have taken place in the past year in British universities and colleges involving 'hate' speakers expressing extreme views, the British government's new Extremism Analysis Unit (EAU) revealed Thursday.

Four were singled out for holding most events, all of them in London, Queen Mary University and King's College, SOAS University and Kingston University.

The EAU said speakers at events are known to have promoted rhetoric aimed to undermine core British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, held on university campuses.

A statement issued through 10 Downing Street commented: "Latest police statistics show young people continue to make up a disproportionately high number of those arrested for terrorist-related offences and of those travelling to join terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq."

The statement said under new rules to be introduced across Britain, universities and colleges could face court action if they fail to implement new policies to stop radicalisation and extremism on campuses.

Every higher institution in the country will have a legal requirement to introduce a policy as part of a 'Prevent' program by next Monday, September 21.

Universities minister Jo Johnson said Thursday he has written to the National Union of Students about their responsibilities in preventing radicalisation and challenging speakers.

The minister, in his letter, described his disappointment at seeing 'overt opposition' to the Prevent program.

He said: "Universities represent an important arena for challenging extremist views. It is important there can be active challenge and debate on issues relating to counter terrorism and provisions for academic freedom are part of the Prevent guidance for universities and colleges. It is my firm view that we all have a role to play in challenging extremist ideologies and protecting students on campus.

"The Prevent strategy is about protecting people from radicalisation. The legal duty that will be placed on universities and colleges highlights the importance that the government places on this."

For the first time, universities and colleges in Britain will be legally required to put in place specific policies to stop extremists radicalising students on campuses, tackle gender segregation at events and support students at risk of radicalisation.

The Extremism Analysis Unit (EAU) has been established by the government to support all government departments and the wider public sector to understand extremism so they can deal with extremists appropriately. Endit