OnDemand: Preventing and Countering Extremism in the UK 2026
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2026 Overview
In a time of increasing political division and social polarisation, the threat of extremism is more pressing than ever. Extremism has the potential to have profound implications for social cohesion and national stability. As the threat landscape is consistently changing sharing key developments, knowledge, and best practices is essential to ensure that we tackle extremism effectively in the UK.
- From March 2024-2025, there were 8,778 referrals to the Prevent programme, a 27% increase from the previous year and the highest number since data collection began in 2015
- Individuals aged 11 to 15 accounted for the largest proportion (3,192; 36%) of the 8,759 referrals to Prevent (Home Office, 2025)
- CTP arrests, on average, around 250 people every year on suspicion of terrorist offences (Counter Terrorism Policing, 2025)
The Preventing and Countering Extremism in the UK Conference 2026 brought together academics, experts, and practitioners to explore the evolving landscape of extremism, focusing on how global and domestic factors contribute to radicalisation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) and safeguarding vulnerable communities. Key topics include defining extremism, tackling misinformation, protecting young people from online radicalisation, and strengthening social cohesion to combat religious, far-right, and misogynistic movements.
2026 Agenda
Registration
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Dr Craig Webber, Associate Professor, University of Southampton
Keynote: The Evolving Extremism Threat Landscape in 2026
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Examining the rise of mixed, unstable, and grievance-led ideologies and understanding the impact of difficulties surrounding categorisation
- Implications for practitioners navigating complex and non-traditional cases
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Understanding the impact of economic pressures, global migration, and institutional distrust on the extremism landscape
Ross Paton, Advisor – National Counter Terrorism Advisory Network, Counter Terrorism Policing, and Co-Founder, Resilience in Unity
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Keynote: Martyn’s Law and the Future of Public Protection in the UK
- Providing an overview of Martyn’s Law and its objectives in strengthening public safety
- Exploring the duty placed on publicly accessible venues and event organisers to assess, mitigate, and respond to terrorism-related risks
- Understanding what proportionate and risk-based compliance looks like for different types and sizes of venues
- Examining the role of staff training, preparedness, and clear incident response planning in reducing harm
Nathan Emmerich, Co-Founder, Martyn’s Law Forum, Personal Adviser to Figen Murray OBE and Founder, SW-One
Questions & Answers
Comfort Break
Panel: Extremist Activity Online: Responding to Online Harms, Radicalisation and Platform Accountability
- Understanding how extremist and harmful content spreads across online platforms through algorithms, gateway content, and online ecosystems
- Examining how the Online Safety Act is reshaping expectations around platform responsibility and user protection
- Strategies for engaging young people in conversations about harmful online content and improving media literacy
- Supporting parents, educators, and safeguarding professionals to engage young people in conversations about harmful online material and online influence
- Considering the balance between effective regulation, freedom of expression, and rapidly evolving online threats
Samuel Kashti, PCVE Lead, Shout Out UK
Dr. Murtaza Shaikh, Harms Principal – Hate, Terrorism & Suicide/Self-Harm, Ofcom
Dr Caitlin Clemmow, Jill Dando Institute Research Lab Manager, UCL
Lunch Break & Networking
Case Study: Building Community Resilience to Online Harm
Zubeda Limbada, Founding Director and Co-founder, Connect Futures
Case Study: Safeguarding Against Religious Extremism and Polarisation
- Understanding how global conflicts and online narratives can influence community tensions, identity, and vulnerability to extremism in the UK
- Strengthening safeguarding approaches in schools, community settings, and frontline services to identify and respond to early signs of radicalisation
- Practical strategies for engaging vulnerable individuals and building trust with communities affected by extremism and polarisation
Rashad Ali, Senior Fellow, Institute for Strategic Dialogue UK
Questions & Answers
Comfort Break
Case Study: From Referral to Recovery: What Good Prevent Practice Looks Like in 2026
- Clarifying thresholds, roles, and responsibilities within Prevent and Channel
- Learning from case reviews, inspections, and best practice examples
- Supporting individuals disengaging from extremist beliefs and networks
- Measuring impact while safeguarding rights and wellbeing
Abu Ullah, Prevent Strategy Manager, Brent Council
Case Study: Identity, Shame Free Zones + Disruptive Experiences: A Practical Framework for Community Cohesion
- Initiatives that support community members in building a strong self (unmet needs for belonging, purpose and identity can be the triggers that make extreme groups appealing)
- Creating spaces to feel truly heard and have real, raw discourse without shame
- Facilitating real-world experiences that disrupt preconceived notions and inherited beliefs
- How practitioners and policymakers can take this forward into their own work
Leela Sule, Behaviour Change + Community Cohesion in Luton
Questions & Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Dr Craig Webber, Associate Professor, University of Southampton
Conference Close
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2026 Speakers
Leela Sule
Community Connector
The Groundswell Project
Carys Evans
Head of Programmes and Impact
Connect Futures
Rory Donovan
Incident Response Team Manager
Tech Against Terrorism
Haydar Muntadhar
Prevent Manager
Croydon Council
Testimonials
“This event had a great mix of professionals, academics and organisations discussing new solutions to important problems within our communities.”
“This was an extremely informative event with excellent speakers with calibre in their fields of influence. Enjoyed this thoroughly and got a lot out of the day.”
“The sessions were packed with actionable insights, and the speakers were not only experts in their fields but also deeply engaging. I had the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives that I’ve already started applying in my work.”
“A fantastic, jam-packed day that really enhanced the understanding of the issues professionals and communities are facing in relation to the evolving nature of terrorism in the UK.”
