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Community Relations

Answer

I have been asked to reply.There is no common hierarchy of grievances at local, regional or national level. And hierarchy is difficult to discern when localised grievances such as socio-economic issues are bundled into a single narrative with national issues about government policies and international issues such as foreign policy.As ““The Prevent Strategy: A Guide for Local Partners in England”” makes clear on page 70"““...real or perceived grievances may develop about aspects of Government policy (particularly foreign policy), discrimination or racism, lack of social mobility, perceived mistreatment in the criminal justice system and counter-terrorism measures. Perceptions of distorted media representations of communities or conflicts are also relevant. A shared sense of grievance locally, nationally and internationally may reinforce group identity.””"Many people express grievances. But only a tiny minority choose to use them to justify violence, often prompted by radicalisers who exacerbate and selectively exploit grievances to recruit people to their cause. This is why the Prevent strategy aims to address grievances as one of its core elements. Where grievances have substance government should explain its position clearly, setting out what action might already be undertaking. Where concerns arise from misunderstandings or genuine differences of opinion then clarification and openness are equally important. But where there is distortion or fabrication of the Government's position then we need to say so, firmly.Research into grievances is ongoing and we are encouraging local authorities, through engagement and research, to gain a better understanding of those grievances which resonate most in their communities.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

486 c614W; 245511

Session

2008-09

Subjects

Community relations

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk