Saudi has ‘very good programmes on de-radicalisation’, says ex-UK minister 

Saudi Arabia’s record of combating radicalisation got a surprise nod of approval yesterday following Sunday’s terror attack in Streatham, south London.

With UK security officials trying to figure out how convicted terrorist, 20-year-old Sudesh Amman – who had been under police surveillance was able to stab two people – former Prisons Minister, Rory Stewart, has suggested that the Saudis may have an answer to Britain’s problem.

The attack was the second in three months where a convicted terrorist who had been under surveillance, stabbed people on the streets after his release. The Conservatives – and to a lesser extent Labour – came under fire for November’s London Bridge attack to score cheap political points.

Sunday’s attack triggered a vigorous debate on what many believe is a systematic problem with the UK’s method for rehabilitating convicted terrorists.

“There are things we can improve straightaway,” said Stewart on LBC Radio. “Making sure we have much better intelligence and information on individuals,” was one of the things he said Britain could improve.

READ: UK police arrest terror suspect at Heathrow Airport

Stewart explained that having criminals work with someone through the prisons system and through probation could reduce the risk of reoffending.

Now a leading London mayoral candidate, Stuart went on to mention the Saudis when asked to provide examples of countries that have dealt with the problem of reoffending terrorist.

“The US tends to do it in a much more heavy-handed way,” said Stewart. “The Scandinavians have done good stuff on rehabilitation,” he continued.

“Even countries like Saudi Arabia have had, with all their problems and it’s in many ways an uncomfortable regime, but have done very good programmes on de-radicalisation,” added Stewart.