Young terrorism suspects could avoid prosecution in plan for diversion scheme

Minister hope plan will deter young people from extremism amid rise in arrests of under-18s for offences

Young terrorism suspects could avoid prosecution if they agree to a diversion scheme, in a new government plan to cope with the post-lockdown surge in youngsters drawn to violent extremism.

The youth diversion orders are part of a host of changes announced by the Labour government, including a new tsar to ensure Prevent – the official scheme to deter people from terrorism – is as effective as it needs to be. Ministers claimed they were providing new money to fight terrorism.