In response to a rise in hate crimes against Jews and Muslims following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, Britain has introduced a new definition of extremism. Critics, however, express concerns that this move may encroach upon freedom of speech.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently cautioned that Britain’s multi-ethnic democracy faces threats from both Islamist and far-right extremists. Antisemitic incidents surged by 147% in 2023, reaching record levels, particularly after the October attacks. Similarly, anti-Muslim hate crimes saw a 335% increase since then, according to monitoring groups.
Michael Gove, the communities minister, emphasized the challenge posed by extremist groups to democracy and values of inclusivity and tolerance. Nevertheless, critics fear that the new definition could stifle dissenting voices.
The revised definition clarifies that it does not encompass gender-critical campaigners, individuals with conservative religious views, transgender activists, or environmental campaigners. Gove assured that the intention is not to restrict freedom of expression, religion, or belief.
However, specific organizations, such as the far-right Patriotic Alternative and the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), will undergo assessment under the new definition. Another group, Cage, known for its connections to “Jihadi John” who appeared in Islamic State beheading videos, is also under scrutiny.
MAB and Cage have denounced the definition change, describing it as an attack on civil liberties, especially targeting Muslim groups. The new definition identifies extremism as the promotion of an ideology based on violence, hatred, or intolerance that aims to undermine or replace the UK’s liberal parliamentary democracy.
Britain already prohibits groups involved in terrorism, with supporting or being a member of such organizations considered a criminal offense. Notably, Hamas is among the 80 proscribed international organizations.
Moving forward, groups identified as extremist will not face legal action immediately but will be ineligible for government funding or engagement. Currently, no groups have officially been designated as extremist under the former definition, which has been in place since 2011.
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