News Story

06 July 2008 00:57 BST

Smith targets web extremism

Thursday, 17 Jan 2008 16:56

Jacqui Smith says tackling radicalisation is vital

Printer friendly version

Jacqui Smith has pledged a crackdown on websites spreading extremism in her first major speech on radicalisation as home secretary.

Speaking at King's College London this morning, Ms Smith said it was vital to use technology to prevent "vulnerable people" being "groomed for violent terrorism".

"The relentless process of persuasion and propaganda, of assertion and insinuation that can lead ultimately to engagement or support for violent extremist… poses particular questions and requires a rounded and comprehensive response," she said.

The Conservatives welcomed the announcement but said it had come "much too late". Shadow security minister Baroness Neville-Jones attacked government policies on multiculturalism and pre-charge detention but said Ms Smith's comments today were a "positive step in the fight against terrorism".

Liberal thinktank Progressive Vision expressed doubts about how to define extremism and warned it might be hard to tackle sites outside British jurisdiction.

Communications director Mark Littlewood said: "The idea that terrorism can be thwarted by seeking to shut down extremist websites is absurd and dangerous." End of story

More headline news...

Also In The News

British Council row intensifies
The UK government has warned Russia its treatment of British Council employees is "completely unacceptable". Full Story

Brown on offensive in PMQs
Gordon Brown attacked both Conservative and Liberal Democrat policies as he reiterated his commitment to a stable economy in the Commons today. Full Story

PM: Hain error "incompetence"
Peter Hain's failure to declare more than £100,000 of donations was "incompetence", the prime minister said last night. Full Story

News Story

Smith targets web extremism

Also In The News

British Council row intensifies

Brown on offensive in PMQs

PM: Hain error "incompetence"