William Shawcross, the head of a criticised review into the Prevent has said he is “happy and very grateful” to receive a knighthood.
The commissioner for public appointments Sir William Shawcross has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for his public service.
Sir William’s long-awaited report on the Prevent programme – which aims to stop people turning to terrorism – was published earlier this year, shortly after he announced an investigation into the selection of BBC chairman Richard Sharp amid concerns over his role in helping Boris Johnson secure a loan.
Some MPs and campaigners heavily criticised his Prevent review, with human rights group Amnesty International UK claiming it was “riddled with biased thinking”.
The charity’s racial justice director Ilyas Nagdee said the report had no legitimacy, and claimed the scheme had unfairly targeted Muslim social activists.
Labour MP Zarah Sultana accused Mr Shawcross of having an “anti-Muslim attitude”.
Read more on The Independent.
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