NEW laws requiring staff working for public bodies to keep an eye out for people being radicalised have been criticised by teaching union chiefs.

The Prevent strategy came into force yesterday and means councils, prisons, NHS trusts and schools must all now play their part to stop people being drawn into terrorism.

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The measure is part of the Government’s One Nation attempt to tackle extremism, but teaching unions believe it could make their members nervous, while the Lancashire Council of Mosques also fear it may put extra pressure on people.

Simon Jones, Lancashire’s National Union of Teachers’ representative, said: “The jury is out as to whether extra statutory requirements are the most effective way to help young people stay safe, think critically, or reject engagement with groups who advocate violence.

“Already, in many schools, Prevent is causing significant nervousness and confusion among teachers. If pupil well-being and safety is the aim, the Prevent strategy is felt by many teachers to be counter-productive and wide of the mark.

“It risks closing down the very opportunities where the classroom can be used to develop democracy and explore human rights.

“Developing an inclusive curriculum for children and young people that supports the democratic values of a diverse Britain can only happen in a research-informed profession where teachers have access to professional development.”

The list of bodies subject to the obligation includes local authorities, NHS trusts, nurseries, schools, police, prisons and probation providers.

Universities and colleges will be included once further guidance on extremist speakers has been published.

Abdul Hamid Qureshi, chair of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, said: “The question is what information will it give to authorities? Will it make any difference?

“There is a lot of anxiety around this issue at the moment.

“It is good to tackle extremism but it could add a lot of pressure to people in these roles.”

“We are increasing the chance of innocent people being caught up in something they are not involved in.”

Andrew Stephenson, Conservative MP for Pendle, welcomed the introduction of Prevent.

He said: “This is not just an issue for the police and security services.

“It’s really important for all of us to play our part and for public bodies to keep a look out for people who are vulnerable to this sort of radicalisation and people preaching poisonous extremist ideas.”

Graham Jones, Labour MP for Hyndburn, said: “We shouldn’t need a law for people to come forward and report any concerns they have about radicalisation.

“If at the moment people are concerned to report something out of political correctness, this might perhaps liberate them and absolve them of personal responsibility for reporting concerns,” he added.