John Cleese has criticised the Government's Prevent training material that references claims about mass migration and Western culture within descriptions of extreme right-wing terrorist ideologies.
Mr Cleese was responding on X to a post by Darren Grimes, who shared an image of guidance from the UK Government’s Prevent duty training.
Mr Grimes wrote that the material appeared to classify the belief that mass migration threatens Western culture as a terrorist ideology.
The screenshot shows training content outlining how extreme right-wing terrorism is defined as active or vocal support for ideologies advocating discrimination or violence against minority groups.
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John Cleese called out the government's Prevent training material
| GB NEWSIt then lists sub-categories, including cultural nationalism, white or ethno-nationalism, and white supremacism.
Within the section on cultural nationalism, the material states that a narrative may claim Western culture is under threat from mass migration and a lack of integration by certain ethnic and cultural groups.
Mr Cleese replied to the post, saying: "I’m clearly a terrorist, so I’m afraid they are going to have to arrest me."
The actor’s response prompted a wave of reactions from users debating the meaning and implications of the Prevent guidance.
John Cleese
|GETTY
Some commenters said the material risked criminalising mainstream political views, while others argued the training was clearly describing extremist narratives linked to violence and discrimination.
One user wrote: "I served in the Royal Navy for 25 years, started and ran two businesses and have suddenly become a terrorist."
Another claimed the policy meant "you are a terrorist if you believe your country should preserve its national culture".
Further replies suggested the classification reflected broader concerns about free speech and political expression.
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I'm clearly a terrorist, so I'm afraid they are going to have to arrest me https://t.co/pRJhijQond
— John Cleese (@JohnCleese) February 17, 2026
Others defended the Prevent framework as a safeguarding measure aimed at identifying radicalisation risks rather than policing opinions.
Mr Cleese has previously spoken out on issues relating to free expression and media coverage.
He recently criticised BBC reporting on protests in Iran, saying he was "ashamed" of the broadcaster and suggesting it failed to distinguish between trivial and significant stories.
The comedian endorsed criticism the BBC had given insufficient attention to unrest in the country, although the broadcaster rejected those claims and said it had reported on developments daily across its platforms.
Prevent is part of the UK Government’s counter-terrorism strategy, Contest, aiming to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
It provides early support to those at risk of radicalisation, challenges extremist ideologies, and helps those already involved disengage and reintegrate.
Under the 2015 Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, schools, healthcare providers, local authorities, and criminal justice agencies have a duty to identify risks and refer cases.
Debate over Prevent has intensified in recent years
| PAConcerns are assessed by specialist officers, and those at genuine risk may receive tailored support through the voluntary Channel Programme.
In the year ending March 2025, referrals reached a record 8,778, mostly from education and police, with young males and extreme right-wing ideology most frequently identified.