Students Urged to Challenge Extremists

The threat of al-Qaeda-influenced extremists recruiting on Britain's campuses is real and credible, according to the government, which this week launches a series of roadshows aimed at tackling those who preach violence.

Staff and students are to be encouraged to be more vigilant and to challenge those who advocate terror. But Bill Rammell, the education minister, denied the government was seeking to curtail freedom of speech, a charge made by leading academics.

The initiative is the clearest sign yet that ministers are becoming increasingly concerned at how a small band of extremists within the further education system are helping to radicalize Muslims. 'This is a long-running battle against al-Qaeda for hearts and minds,' Rammell said ahead of the first of six debates he will take part in at campuses across Britain.