Press Release

Violent extremism

8 October 2008

Commenting on the Government’s guidance to schools on preventing violent extremism, Christine Blower, Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Europe’s largest teaching union said;  

“Tiny, violent political groups can present a significant threat to large numbers of people. Terrorist threats have to be tackled. It’s worth remembering that groups such as those from the far right can pose intimidatory threats to their communities, as serious as those from al-Qaeda.

“The significant section within the guidance on the curriculum argues for much greater professional freedom to be allowed to teachers who are on the front line of promoting community cohesion. There is a very strong argument for providing the time and space in schools to enable teachers to work through the issues posed by determined individuals who are committed to recruiting young people to violent causes.

“For the objectives of Government guidance to be achieved, trust has to be maintained in schools. No teacher will ignore obvious information about a specific, real threat, but it is vital that teachers are able to discuss with and listen to pupils, without feeling that they have to report every word.”