By NewsBlogger The UK government’s controversial new definition of extremism, spearheaded by Michael Gove, has sparked intense debate and criticism from various political figures and organizations. Concerns have been raised about potential implications for British values and civil liberties.
At a glance
- UK government unveils controversial new definition of extremism
- Measures include barring organizations from government funding and meetings
- Opposition from Sadiq Khan, Sayeeda Warsi, and Miriam Cates
- Michael Gove identifies five groups for investigation
- Concerns were raised about the lack of an appeal process and the potential chilling effect
The details
The UK government’s unveiling of a controversial new definition of extremism, spearheaded by Michael Gove, has sparked intense debate and criticism from various political figures and organizations.
The reform includes measures such as barring certain organizations from receiving government funding and attending official meetings in an effort to prevent the promotion of violence, hatred, or intolerance.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, has been vocal in his opposition to the proposals, warning that they could potentially undermine efforts to combat hatred and intolerance.
Tory peer Sayeeda Warsi has labeled the new definition as authoritarian, while Tory MP Miriam Cates has expressed concerns about the potential chilling effect on legitimate, harmless views.
Michael Gove has identified five groups to be investigated over extremism fears, with civil servants tasked with determining which groups fit the criteria for extremism.
Former home office minister Kit Malthouse MP has raised concerns about the lack of appeal process for groups on the list, highlighting potential flaws in the system.
The government insists that the new definition will only target the most concerning activities, setting a high bar to capture extremist behaviors.
However, critics including three former home secretaries and the Archbishop of Canterbury have raised doubts about the effectiveness and fairness of the measures.
Several organizations, including CAGE International, Palestine Action, and Black Lives Matter UK, have publicly criticized the government’s announcement, with the Muslim Association of Britain strongly condemning the move.
Extremist groups or individuals designated as such will face repercussions such as being barred from public appointments and receiving honors, further escalating the controversy surrounding the new definition.
The debate around the definition of extremism continues to intensify, with various voices from different sectors expressing both support and opposition to the government’s efforts to combat extremist ideologies.
The implications of these measures on British values, democracy, and community relations remain at the forefront of the discussion, with concerns about potential unintended consequences and impact on civil liberties.
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| independent.co.uk |
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| – Michael Gove has unveiled a controversial new definition of extremism – The reform includes barring certain organizations from government funding and meetings – Sadiq Khan has criticized the proposals as risking undermining the fight against hatred and intolerance – Tory peer Sayeeda Warsi called the new definition authoritarian – Tory MP Miriam Cates warned of the risk of chilling legitimate, harmless views – Michael Gove named five groups to be investigated over extremism fears – Former home office minister Kit Malthouse MP raised concerns about the lack of appeal for groups on the list – Robert Jenrick said the new definition is in a grey area – Sir Edward Leigh expressed worry about the plans – Three former home secretaries and the Archbishop of Canterbury criticized the plans – The new definition of extremism aims to prevent the promotion of violence, hatred, or intolerance |
| – The government insists the new definition will only capture the most concerning activities – Civil servants will decide which groups fit the criteria for extremism – CAGE International, Palestine Action, and Black Lives Matter UK have criticized the announcement – The Muslim Association of Britain strongly condemned the government’s announcement |
| independent.co.uk |
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| – The government plans to create a list of “extremist” groups to be blacklisted from funding and prevented from meeting ministers and civil servants |
| – The definition of extremism includes the advancement of violent, hateful, or intolerant ideologies that aim to negate or destroy the rights of others – Extremism is also defined as promoting ideologies that create a permissive environment for others to achieve the same aims |
| – The new definition has faced criticism from former home secretaries and the Archbishop of Canterbury. – Government officials say the definition sets a high bar to capture concerning activities – Extremist groups or individuals will be barred from public appointments and receiving honors – Civil servants will decide which groups fit the criteria for inclusion on the list – Those designated as extremists will have the opportunity to provide mitigating evidence before being included on the list – Mr. Gove announced the new definition to protect British values and democracy from extremists – Mr. Gove suggested that a Tory donor’s alleged racist comments would not meet the new definition of extremist – Labour’s deputy leader criticized the government’s counter-extremism strategy as outdated – Polling shows public perception of safety for Muslims and Jews in the UK |
| independent.co.uk |
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| – British Muslim organizations criticize Michael Gove’s definition of extremism – Extremism is defined as advancing a violent, hateful, or intolerant ideology – Extremism also includes promoting an ideology that creates a permissive environment for others – Michael Gove named groups like MAB, Cage, and Mend in the Commons – Mend CEO challenges Gove to provide evidence outside of parliament – Cage rejects counter-extremism and counter-terrorism powers – 5Pillars editor fears groups on the watchlist could be blacklisted by local councils – Mend, MAB, and Cage are grassroots Muslim organizations calling out British foreign policy – Islamic Human Rights Commission chair criticizes government for being a threat to democracy – A joint statement by Mend, Cage, FOA, MAB, MCB, and 5Pillars criticizes new definition – Mr. Gove says extremist ideologies pose a risk to security after October 7 attacks – Coalition of groups organizing national marches condemns Gove’s definition – Former home secretaries and Archbishop of Canterbury criticize the new definition – Archbishop warns of disproportionately targeting Muslim communities – Leading British Imam fears the new definition could result in more extremism |
