The Government has unveiled its new definition of extremism amid rising concern about threats to social cohesion and British democracy
Among the measures proposed Ministers and civil servants will be banned from talking to or funding organisations that undermine “the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy”
The new definition will apply to, but not criminalise, groups that promote an ideology based on “violence, hatred or intolerance”.
The new definition provides a stricter characterisation that government can use to make sure that extremist organisations and individuals are not being legitimised or given a platform through their interactions with government. It reads:
Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:
1.Nnegate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
2.undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
3.intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).
The new definition is narrower and more precise than the 2011 Prevent definition, which did not provide the detail we now need to assess and identify extremism. This new definition helps clearly articulate how extremism is evidenced through the public behaviour of extremists that advance their violent, hateful or intolerant aims.
Michael Gove doing the media rounds this morning said on the new extremism definition:
“We want to respond to the rising tide of anti semitism, anti muslim hatred and the greater polarisation of society… we do need to be careful with whom we work.
“Individuals have benefitted from government cash who have been extremist. It will be examined and organisations will be assessed by a team impartial civil servants and academics.”
Former Greater Manchester Police Chirf Sir Peter Fahy said:
“This new definition of extremism will just lead to more pressure on police officers to intervene in protests and universities to ban speakers both without proper legal backing“
