Fight against global terrorism 'starts at home'

Anti-radicalisation campaigner: Saleha Jaffer

An anti-radicalisation campaigner today said the fight against global extremism starts “at home”.

Saleha Jaffer, elected as Lambeth’s mayor last year, founded Families Against Stress and Trauma, or Fast, 10 years ago to help vulnerable people.

She called the radicalisation of London student Mohammed Emwazi, who became the Islamic State executioner known as Jihadi John, a “wake-up call” for parents. “Now every parent wants to safeguard their child,” she said.

Recently, more than 20 people took part in a workshop at Jean Stokes Community Centre in Islington as part of the Families Matter campaign, for those who fear their loved ones could be targeted by extremists.

Mrs Jaffer said: “We gave birth to those people — don’t blame others. It starts at home and how you communicate with your children. Talk to them and become their friends so that if anything happens in their life they can come and tell you as they have that trust.”

Last week, the Henry Jackson Society revealed that almost half of the 253 people convicted of terrorist offences in Britain between 1998 and 2015 were from the capital. Home Secretary Amber Rudd will unveil an updated counter-terrorism strategy this month.

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