Web Is 'Fertile Breeding Ground For Terror'

The internet has become the most significant vehicle in promoting extremism, according to a report released by the Home Affairs Committee.

The report says the internet has become a "fertile breeding ground" for terror and is more involved in radicalisation than prisons, universities or places of worship.

MPs spoke to radical cleric Abu Hamza who said British foreign policy was a key factor in pushing young Muslims to radicalisation.

The radical cleric also pointed to a perceived lack of respect for Islam and a sense that the Prophet Mohammed was being mocked.

The committee's report said internet service providers should be more active in monitoring sites they host and that the Government should work with them to develop a code of practice.

A nine-month inquiry found the internet "was now one of the few unregulated spaces where radicalisation is able to take place".

But it added that a "sense of grievance" is key and direct personal contact with radicals a "significant factor".

The Government's counter-terrorism strategy should show that "the British state is not antithetical to Islam", the committee said.

Keith Vaz, its chairman, said: "The conviction last week of four men from London and Cardiff radicalised over the internet, for a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange and launch a Mumbai-style atrocity on the streets of London, shows that we cannot let our vigilance slip.

"More resources need to be directed to these threats and to preventing radicalisation through the internet and in private spaces. These are the fertile breeding grounds for terrorism."

A Home Office spokesman said: "Prevent [the counter-radicalisation strategy] is an integral part of our counter-terrorism strategy and aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

"Our new Prevent strategy challenges extremist ideology, helps protect institutions from extremists, and tackles the radicalisation of vulnerable people. Above all, it tackles the threat from home-grown terrorism on and off line.

"We are working closely with the police and internet service providers to take internet hate off the web."