The Immigration and Security Minister, James Brokenshire, joined Mary on a visit to the Hounslow Jamia Masjid and Islamic Centre to discuss a future strategy for preventing radicalisation.

During the visit, Mary and the Minister met the Imam and other leaders from the mosque and also took the opportunity to meet children taking part in classes there.

Young people gathered together to discuss a future local strategy. Mary heard that the mosque continues to work hard to ensure that only the true values of Islam are taught, including respect for others and peace. A common concern was that the horrors undertaken by ISIS are given too much attention in the media – something that could extend the influence of the radicalists.

The Minister suggested that parents and friends who were concerned about the risk of their loved ones heading out to Syria to join ISIS should have a safe place to raise their concerns at the earliest possible stage – without fear of criminal repercussions.

The Minister said:

“The Government has taken a number of steps to combat radicalisation through the Prevent programme. This includes removing terrorist material from the internet and ensuring there is a new statutory duty for schools, colleges, police and other agencies to act where someone is at risk from exploitation by extremist radicalising elements - but there is more work to do. We all have a duty to work together to ensure we are protecting our young people and ensuring those who sow a false impression of Islam are challenged and confronted.

“I was really impressed with the discussion today and the passion for bringing together families, the community and government to ensure we live in a safe and secure country".

The entire group were agreed that education is fundamental to preventing radicalisation and stressed the importance of working together across faiths to increase understanding and combat unhelpful ‘Islamophobia’.

Mary commented:

"We have all been dismayed by the news of young people heading out to the Middle East to join ISIS. It's vital that we all work together to safeguard our young people and prevent radicalisation which bears no resemblance to the true faith of Islam.

"Events like this one at the mosque today help to share concerns and ideas on how we can work together to strengthen our community and protect our young people. I want us to stand together to confront and combat extremism”.