Prevent Scheme Criticized for Early Closure of Case Linked to MP's Murder

A review finds systemic failures in the counter-terrorism program's handling of Ali Harbi Ali, who murdered MP Sir David Amess in 2021.

Ali Harbi Ali, who murdered MP Sir David Amess in 2021, was referred to the Prevent program in 2014 but had his case closed in 2016 despite ongoing radicalization.
A Prevent learning review identified six key failures, including poor record-keeping, outdated assessment tools, and insufficient intervention sessions.
The review found that Ali's risk of radicalization was prematurely deemed low, even as he consumed extremist propaganda and plotted a terror attack in the UK.
Calls have intensified for a public inquiry into the Prevent program, with Amess's family and others demanding accountability for systemic shortcomings.
The government claims significant reforms to Prevent have been implemented since 2015, but further improvements are needed to prevent similar failures in the future.