UK varsities breeding ground for terrorism: Theresa May

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British home secretary Theresa May has criticised universities for their alleged “complacency” in tackling radicalisation and Islamic extremism on campus.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Theresa May said: “I think for too long there’s been complacency around universities.

I don’t think they have been sufficiently willing to recognise what can be happening on their campuses and the radicalisation that can take place. I think there is more that universities can do."

Forty universities are reported to be at “particular risk” of radicalisation or recruitment on campus, according to the Daily Mail.

May told the Telegraph: “They need to be prepared to stand up and say that organisations that are extreme or support extremism or have extremist speakers should not be part of their grouping.”

The newspaper said the strategy would contain details of partnerships with YouTube and AOL aimed at combating extremism online, as well as moves to limit access to extremist websites from schools and public libraries.

The report will also name the 25 boroughs most at risk from Islamist extremism, including areas of London, Birmingham, Leeds, Bradford and Manchester, it was reported.

Among those arrested for terrorism offences who have been linked to British universities is Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the so-called “underwear bomber”.

He was detained on Christmas Day 2009 accused of trying to blow up a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit.

He had graduated from University College London, where he was also president of the Islamic Society.