Counter-terrorism Conference
Date/Time
Date(s) - 14/03/2018
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Coventry Council House
Categories
Book your seat here to attend the Counter-Terrorism Conference at 14:00 on Wed 14 March in Coventry Council House. The aim is to help young adults recognise when they are being radicalised and how to avoid it. Following some short presentations by survivors of radicalisation, there will be a discussion between the audience and a panel of experts including staff from Coventry University, police from the West Midlands Counter-Terrorism Unit and other experts. It is expected that the Prevent Programme will be among the topics for debate.
Click to download the poster
Tackling radicalisation and terrorism is clearly a vital part of UK national security, but the methods the government use to counter these threats can provoke fear and suspicion among innocent, law-abiding citizens. The Prevent strategy aims to safeguard vulnerable people who are at risk of radicalisation. It has been controversial, some people claiming they feel victimised and targeted because of their nationality, religion or the colour of their skin. For example, some students coming to Coventry or Warwick Universities feel frustrated when they are repeatedly stopped and questioned by Schedule 7 officers as they enter the country.
This conference falls into three parts. The first part aims at explaining how radicalisation happens, how to recognise and avoid it. Shahid Butt will talk about why he fought in Bosnia and Ivan Humble will describe his experience of being an organiser for the English Defence League.
The second part is a free refreshments and networking event when the audience can mingle with the panel.
The final part will allow the audience to address any issues they have in a debate with a panel of local experts including Tracy Cullis, Director of Student Services at Coventry University who has the duty to implement the Prevent Strategy within the University, a member of the West Midlands Counter-terrorism Police and others who have the duty to implement government policy.
The panel will be chaired by Joel Busher, Research Fellow at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations of Coventry University. He has led research on the interpretation and implementation of the Prevent duty in schools and colleges. This research gave rise in 2017 to the first major public report on this topic.
The aim is to exchange points of views between the panel and the audience, to improve mutual understanding and explore ways to reduce tensions that can arise.
See the booking form below. Booking is not essential but is advised to reserve a place.