Prevent Chief Resigns Following Failures Linked to Southport Attack

Michael Stewart steps down as head of the UK’s Prevent programme after systemic lapses in addressing threats, with reforms and a new framework underway.

Michael Stewart has resigned as the head of the Prevent programme after intense criticism over its failures in preventing the Southport attack.
A review revealed administrative errors, including misspelling Axel Rudakubana’s name, and premature case closures despite multiple warnings about his behavior.
The Southport attack in July 2024 resulted in the deaths of three children and has spurred public backlash and calls for reform of the Prevent programme.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, is preparing a new framework to address extremism and hateful ideologies, set to be unveiled next year.
Prevent has faced longstanding criticism for perceived biases in addressing Islamist and right-wing extremism and for mishandling cases linked to other high-profile attacks.