Laura Smith gives evidence to Southport Inquiry

9 September 2026

The first of six days of evidence at the Inquiry into the Southport attack took place this week, chaired by Sir Adrian Fulford.

The Inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and the events leading up to it, with the aim of understanding what can be learned and what needs to change in policy and practice to help prevent something similar happening again.

IDSB Director Professor Laura Smith presented evidence from a social psychology perspective, drawing on IDSB and wider research to explore how motivation for non ideological extreme violence can develop, and how this differs from both ideologically driven and impulsive violence.

A key part of understanding these pathways is the role of technology. Online platforms do not simply reflect what people are interested in. Algorithms can influence what people encounter next, potentially feeding individuals content that reinforces existing interests, beliefs and motivations.

Laura’s evidence drew on findings from two expert roundtables, a systematic review of research into online youth radicalisation, analysis of data from an extremist online channel and other relevant research.

Her evidence highlights the value of considering how social, psychological and technological factors can interact to create vulnerabilities and shape pathways towards extreme violence.

Watch Laura’s evidence from 1:10:51 on the Southport Inquiry Youtube channel