Concern from Jewish community leaders and Government officials over reports of growing far-right views among schoolchildren

There has been concern from both Jewish community leaders and Government officials over reports of growing far-right views among schoolchildren.

According to new figures that were released from the Home Office, out of over 300 people who were identified in 2019-2020 who could be seen to harbour radical views, 175 were below the age of twenty, with 70 being below the age of fourteen.

In addition to this, the majority of referrals for people with far-right views to the Government’s de-radicalisation scheme came after concerns had been raised either in school or from police.

A Home Office spokesperson said that the Government “is committed to confronting terrorism in all its forms, including from the extreme right wing. We remain focussed on disrupting the activities of the most dangerous extremists, supporting those who stand up to their hateful rhetoric, and protecting vulnerable people being drawn into terrorism.

“Protecting children from radicalisation forms part of schools’ wider safeguarding duties. We provide training, resources and direct support to help teachers understand when someone in their care may be at risk, and when to intervene.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism recently provided antisemitism training to the Department for Education.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has been monitoring and acting against the threat from the far-right for years and continues to support the authorities following suit.