New definition of extremism will see Whitehall banned from engaging with hatemongers
A NEW definition of extremism will see Whitehall banned from engaging with hatemongers.
Top Tory Michael Gove will unveil the wording designed to outlaw those who seek to “undermine, overturn or replace” the British democratic system and our values.
But he will face calls to go further after admitting last night quangos, universities, prosecutors and cops will not have to sign up to the clampdown – for now.
The Sun understands Mr Gove will name groups including CAGE and MEND today as falling foul of the new definition and put in the sinbin.
Fascist group British National Socialist Movement will also be banned from engagement.
A leading figure in CAGE notoriously described ISIS butcher Jihadi John as a “beautiful young man” in 2015.
While MEND have been accused of being a “front for Islamic extremists” despite once partnering with the Electoral Commission to promote Muslim engagement in voting.
But he will not name Muslim Council of Britain – despite accusations of extremism and the group currently being suspended from engagement with ministers.
Groups that promote an ideology “based on violence, hatred or intolerance” with an aim to “destroy the fundamental rights of others” will be strictly barred from engaging with ministers and government departments.
And individuals linked to groups falling foul of the definition will be banned from receiving honours and public appointments.
Ministers have also established a new Whitehall counter-extremism centre of excellence.
The unit, led by experts in the field, will be tasked with ensuring the definition is maintained and applied correctly across government departments.
It follows a spike in anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim hate incidents since October 7 attacks.
Since the deadly day the Community Security Trust has recorded 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the UK in 2023, an increase of 147% compared to 2022.
And Tell MAMA – which supports victims of Islamophobia – has recorded a 335% increase in anti-Muslim hate cases in the last four months.
Communities Secretary Mr Gove said: “The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy.
“This is the work of Extreme Right-Wing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities.
“Today’s measures will ensure that government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other people’s fundamental rights.
“This is the first in a series of measures to tackle extremism and protect our democracy.”
New polling by think tank More in Common found that 69 per cent and 62 per cent of the public are concerned about Islamist and far-right extremism respectively.
Among Brits 15 per cent say the UK is unsafe for them, while a quarter think it is unsafe for Muslims and 39 per cent think it is unsafe for Jews.
The public is also against intimidation as a form of protest and backs cops taking tougher measures on some demonstrators.
Brendan Cox, co-founder of community cohesion group, the Together Coalition, added: “Extremism deserves to be treated seriously and soberly not used tactically to seek party political advantage.
“What comes next will be critical – in particular ensuring independent oversight of the new ‘counter -extremism centre of excellence’.
“This centre must be evidence based and not ideological.”