Experts warn of the imminent threat of radicalisation of British Youths

FOLLOWING the fall of Afghanistan's Capital City, Kabul, to the Taliban, leaders of The Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF) call on Boris Johnson to address what faith leaders and MPs are suggesting could be a:- 'rapid re-emergence of Islamic extremism on British soil.' Dr. Shamender Talwar and Anna Prior, co-founders of the global charity TUFF, say we cannot wait for another Manchester Evening News attack and that the Government must act now by providing funding to educate disenfranchised youth in the UK.

Dr. Talwar, who has seen recent evidence that radicalisation is on the increase in Britain, said:- "What we have found through our variousTUFF projects is that the issue of radicalisation inthe UK is a very real one. We have discovered some shocking things when engaging with youths through our projects. Over the past 10 years we have been the bridge between the indigenous, migrant and refugee communities in the UK, but this work must be ramped up to reduce the likelihood of more home grown terrorists. Through our sports and music programmes with youths we teach them love and compassion over hate and anger and this must continue to help prevent more radicalised youths."

In June this year, whilst working with Islamic youths as part of TUFFs music project, record producer and Head of TUFF Music, Daniel Xander, says that youths openly rapped about the Taliban during recording sessions, glorifying their actions and calling for their return. This, Xander says, shocked him into silence and should act as a stark warning. Daniel said:- "It is imperative that we run projects that focus on inclusion, drawing parallels between British and Islamic values. When I heard the lyrics some of the youths were rapping, it literally took my breath away, but not in the way I was expecting. We must nip this in the bud and show our British youths that the actions and values of the Taliban are not aligned with the true message of the Quran. Education through music and sport is a great way of doing so. Now is the time to stand together in unity to overcome the threat of terrorism."

Ealing and Southall MP Virendra Sharma, who actively supports TUFF's music programme, said:- "As we have seen through TUFF's programmes, British Islamic youths are often subject to propaganda by terrorist organisations. We must reach out and work with our youth through projects that engage all faiths. I started this movement with TUFF to address many issues, but right now the main focus must be inclusivity and British values."

Working with London Mayor Sadiq Khan to deliver education through sports since 2013,TUFF's leaders found that communication between youths on social media often features promotional material from extremist organisations. However, through sports and music, Dr.Talwar and his team of specialists have been able to address such issues, using their inclusive educational framework that focuses on human values. As MPs meet in Parliament for an emergency debate on the situation in Afghanistan, TUFF, along with its partners and faith leaders, are calling on the British Government to discuss the implications of a Taliban controlled Afghanistan and the real concerns that Afghan provinces may become a breeding ground for terrorist training camps, temping British youths to go abroad.

More than ₤3.3m of new funding to cut crime and support victims secured by new Police Commissioner in 1st 100 days in office

MORE than ₤3.3m of extra funding has been secured by Emily Spurrell in her 1st 100 days in office, as Merseyside's newly elected Police Commissioner. Emily will mark the milestone on Saturday, 21 August 2021, after taking the Oath of Office on the 1st day of her term, on 13 May 2021.

It's been an exceptionally busy time for the Police Commissioner who has completed a whirlwind tour of the Region, with more than 125 external meetings getting to know Merseyside Police and visiting every local policing area, as well as a host of partners including MPs, Councillors, community safety and criminal justice partners and third sector organisations.

She has also held more than 40 public and partners events during a 6 week consultation asking local people for their views on their priorities for policing and community safety and has already consulted with more than 2,700 residents.

During this time, she has secured ₤3.3m of new funding for the Region for initiatives aimed at cutting crime and providing greater support for victims. This includes ₤1.2m of new funding for extra Independent Advisors offering specialist care and support to survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse, new funding for male victims of sexual violence and Merseyside's first ever project working with young people who abuse their parents or carers.

Just this week, she has launched her Youth Diversion Fund which is offering cash boosts to local community organisations to help keep young people safe over the busy Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Emily said:- "My goal is to help build a safer, stronger Merseyside where everyone can thrive. There is so much to do, and these 100 days have been a whirlwind of activity; travelling across our diverse Region meeting and starting those conversations with people from across the Police family, Regional leaders, partners, our fantastic community and voluntary sector and people from all our communities. There are so many dedicated, diligent and passionate people who are doing great work to keep people safe and much of this work has been even more challenging over the last 18 months. While Covid19 restrictions have meant many of my planned events have had to be scaled back, I'm pleased to have heard the views of more than 2,700 local people through 2 important consultations at more than 125 external meetings. Those views will help shape my Police and Crime Plan, which I am currently producing, setting out the policing and community safety priorities for our Region and how we will use our resources on the issues that matter most to local people. I'm extremely proud to have already secured more than ₤3.3m of new funding for some really valuable projects which will provide extra support for vulnerable victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse and crackdown on crime, particularly in hotspot areas. Many of these projects are now underway and we have other bids for funding already in the pipeline, so I hope to be able to provide more vital funding for essential services over the next few months. Work is gathering momentum and there is no time to rest if we are to continue to improve the service offered to people across Merseyside and ensure vulnerable victims get the very highest standards of support, giving them a voice throughout our criminal justice system. I am determined to listen to the views of people across our Region and I want to make it as easy as possible for residents to have their say, so I will be visiting every area of our Region, engaging with communities and involving more members of the public in the scrutiny process. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my role during my 1st 100 days. Over the next 3 years I hope Merseyside will see the value of having a Police Commissioner and people will feel their voices are being heard."