The Prevent anti-terror scheme will undergo an independent review after concerns have previously been raised about the strategy.

In announcing the move, security minister Ben Wallace said critics of Prevent have previously used "distortion and spin" and urged them to "produce solid evidence of their allegations".

Prevent, which is aimed at all forms of extremism, has repeatedly come under fire, with critics labelling it heavy-handed and "toxic".

It is one strand of the Government's multi-pronged national counter-terrorism programme, which is known as Contest and dates back to 2003, and provides support at an early stage to divert at-risk individuals away from terrorism.

Security minister Ben Wallace said: "I have decided that the time is now right to initiate a review of Prevent.

"Communities across the country have got behind the policy and are contributing to it because they want, as we do, their own young people to be protected from grooming and exploitation by terrorists.

"Over the last two years the Home Office has built on the solid work of Prevent by releasing annual statistics.

"They clearly show that Prevent is not about singling out any particular group or ideology but is similar to other forms of safeguarding, carried out every day by social workers, teachers and police."

The Muslim Council of Britain welcomed the review, with secretary general Harun Khan saying: "For far too long, the Prevent strategy has affected the lives of innocent families, been criticised for mainstreaming discrimination and lost the trust of communities around the UK.

"We welcome the Government's support for a review; however those tasked with its implementation must have the independence, credibility and trust required to deliver it."