Politics Weekly UK Summer riots: what have we learned a year on?
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Jul 31, 2025 
Dame Sara Khan, former counter-extremism commissioner and advisor on social cohesion, teams up with Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff to explore the lessons learned since last summer's riots. They discuss the tragic catalyst of the Southport murders and how systemic failures contributed to rising unrest. The conversation delves into the roots of social discontent, the dangers of misinformation, and the vital importance of grassroots engagement for rebuilding community trust. Political responses to unrest, and the pressing need for better communication, are also critically examined.
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Case of Axel Rudicabana
- Axel Rudicabana was referred three times to Prevent but was not escalated due to lack of firm terrorist ideology.
- He bounced between police, courts, and social services without suitable intervention.
Limitations of Prevent Program
- Prevent has a very narrow remit focusing only on terrorism-linked ideology.
- This leaves many individuals with extremist views or violent tendencies uncaught and unsupported.
Close Legal and Service Gaps
- Law needs tightening to close gaps allowing mass attacks without terrorist label.
- Prevent and mental health services require improvements to better identify risks.