The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has appointed seven counter-terrorism 'champions' to provide specialist advice to the police on prosecuting cases involving violent extremism and radicalisation.


The specialists, who were appointed by the chief Crown prosecutors for West Yorkshire, Manchester, West Midlands, South Wales, London, Essex and Hampshire in the last three months, will advise on measures that can be used to tackle radicalisation and related public order offences alongside other casework.



While the counter-terrorism division, headed up by Sue Hemming, will continue to take the lead on major terrorism and racial incitement cases, the 'champions' will deal with less serious public disorder cases.



Civil liberties group Liberty gave the scheme a cautious welcome. Legal director James Welch said: 'It could provide an important resource for police to prosecute terror suspects effectively within the normal criminal justice process and is far preferable to measures such as extending pre-charge detention.'



Anita Rice