Following the tragic terror attacks we have witnessed in the UK in recent months, the issue of countering radicalisation and building cohesive communities is more important than it's ever been. But, as the attack in Finsbury Park shows, we can’t simply single out radical Islam as the problem.
After the EU referendum last year there were increasing reports of far right extremism across the UK. It has made the work that I do to counter extremist and radical far right views even more crucial, and I should know. Until five years ago I was a regional organiser for the far right group, the English Defence League (EDL).
You might be shocked - but it's surprisingly easy to be drawn into extremist ideology, especially if you are vulnerable or feeling isolated. I was a single dad, bringing up two children on my own. While I was changing nappies my mates were out at the pub, and they eventually drifted away.
I was bored scrolling through Facebook one day and saw a video of a homecoming parade in Luton for our troops returning from Iraq. They were being abused by an extremist Muslim group. I was horrified and furious.
I left a comment on the video and within 15 minutes I had a message from a man who shared my anger and disgust. We got chatting and soon after he asked me if I wanted to help out as an administrator for a Facebook page for the EDL – a way to stand up against extremist Muslims. I said yes immediately. I had found my voice, and finally someone cared what I had to say.
After my first demo with the EDL I was hooked. I was surrounded by people who shared my point of view and who cared what I thought. They were the same as me, the friends I had been craving - I finally belonged.
Several years later I started to question my views after a chance meeting with a Muslim convert from Norwich called Khalil. I introduced myself as an EDL member - he invited me to speak to him about my views, and he shared his. He didn't judge, he just listened and questioned and over time we found some common ground to build trust. And I thought, if he was more like me than I realised, how many more Muslims are like that? Shortly after that I met another Muslim, Manwar, who was building a local community centre, a space for all races and religions to come together, and I respected that.
After the tragic murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich in 2013 both Manwar and Khalil rang me to apologise and reassure me these men's actions were not a reflection of true Islam. We arranged to march silently together to lay flowers at the local war memorial to honour him. It opened my eyes.
Leaving the EDL was hard at first; I was scared to leave this bubble of hate and the people I thought of as family. I found myself alone again but I started to realise I had something to offer, that I could use my experience to be part of the solution, not the problem. I contacted the Suffolk Hate Crime Service and spoke at some workshops about my journey through radicalisation. I really enjoyed it - it was much more satisfying to use my voice for more than standing on the street shouting abuse at somebody.
It wasn't long after that the Westminster City Council's Prevent Team got in touch with me and asked me to do some talks with young people. Prevent is part of the Government's counter terrorism strategy which aims to safeguard people who are vulnerable to extremism and radicalisation. It's about community engagement, being able to have open discussions on controversial issues and challenge extremist and hateful ideologies.
I was part of the council's Gangs and Radicalisation project, which recognises that the same vulnerabilities that can lead to young people joining gangs - like the isolation and frustration I used to feel - can also make them more of a target for extremist views.
The young people are first given a chance to discuss and explore their grievances. They then have a chance to listen to the stories of people, including me, who have turned to gangs, crime or extremism as an answer - and the negative impact that’s had on their lives. Now I'm proud of what I do, and I'm a positive role model for my children.
Children and young people could be radicalised in many ways but often it takes place online through exposure to extremist videos and imagery, or other forms of propaganda which can lead to a distorted world view where extremist ideology seems reasonable. And as with the case with me, the initial contact can be as simple as liking a post or video.
As parents, we have to try to spot the warning signs. It’s important to be aware of who your children are socialising with and what they are viewing online. There is no checklist of things to look out for - but be aware of changes in mood, appearance or behaviour, or becoming abusive to individuals who are different to themselves either in race or religion. If you are concerned about someone, the next step is to find out of what can be done to help and support them.
Contact your Local Authority Safeguarding or Prevent Lead, or the NSPCC if you want to seek advice or are concerned about someone. If you have concerns about someone’s immediate safety call 999.
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Guest posts
"I used to be in the EDL - now I work to fight extremism"
29 replies
LauraMumsnet · 28/06/2017 16:00
OP posts:
AdamBurns1 ·
28/09/2017 02:53
This reply has been deleted
Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.