CONTEST strategy
The Government’s counter terrorism strategy, CONTEST, aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting extremism. It addresses all forms of terrorism but continues to prioritise according to the threat posed to national security.
It has four key strands, known as the 4 P’s:
- pursue: stopping terrorist attacks
- protect: strengthening protection against terrorist attacks
- prepare: where an attack cannot be stopped, mitigating its impact
- prevent: stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting violent extremism.
The CONTEST strategy, which contains the Prevent Duty, was renewed in 2018 to meet the current risk and threat points and reflect on learning from the 2017 terrorist attacks.
The revised Prevent Duty has the following objectives:
- tackle the causes of radicalisation and respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism
- safeguard and support Individuals most at risk of radicalisation through early intervention, identifying them and offering support
- enable those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.
Like all local authorities, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has a legal duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
We work with local partners to protect the public, prevent crime and to promote strong, integrated communities.
Lancashire Prevent contacts
If you have concerns about someone and would like more advice:
- Local Authority Prevent team: 01254 585 260 or email Prevent.Team@Blackburn.gov.uk
- Police Prevent Team: 01772 413398
- if you think a threat is imminent call the police on 999
- alternatively contact the police confidentially on the Anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321
- report your concerns to concern@lancashire.pnn.police.uk
Any information, advice or concern will be handled with sensitivity and where possible anonymity will be maintained.
For resources, useful information and policy advice, visit the Lancashire Prevent Partnership website
Referrals can be made directly via email, by any individual or organisation and will be dealt with discretion.