Tolerance not the way to handle ‘extremism’

WHAT is happening to our nation when MPs need bodyguards? What are the influences that have created such an unprecedented decline in what we are told by some is still a world-leading democracy?

Yes, the media and social media have deeply significant roles and our own tolerance of what we watch on our screens combine to threaten the foundations of our society.

But what is our Government, in power since 2010, doing to control the crisis of trust facing us – their response appears simply to tolerate Tory “extremists”. And is it not time rank and file Conservative MPs started to show leadership? .

Shouldn’t they be doing something to give us hope against the onslaught of the manipulators.

Are they prepared to see the

so-called “natural party of Government” become a vehicle on which the advocates of extremism and racism, who clearly wish to divide our society, hitch a ride.

Why cannot these “normal” politicians see that tolerating such divisiveness is not only breaking their party apart but means that all the sacrifices that have been and will be made “to get Brexit done” will provide no advantages whatsoever.

We “escaped” from the so-called “monstrous Brussels dictatorship” to face verbal thuggery and probably blood on the streets that is reminiscent not only of Italy and Germany in the 1930s but of Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts in this country.

Why was Gary Lineker so harshly criticised months ago for drawing our attention to the language being used by leading members of the Tory Party? In fact, he had the courage simply to warn us of the dangers that are now, day by day,

becoming more evident.

Is this analysis too negative? No: examples of Tory acceptance of extreme views are multiplying.

On US TV, Liz Truss, the 44-day PM, faced an interviewer who stated that Tommy Robinson, anti-democratic rabble rouser guilty of assault, fraud stalking and jailed for contempt of court, is “a hero”. Liz says nothing.

Suella Braverman, formerly Home Secretary (third most important job in the Government), says “Islamists (Islamic extremists) are running Britain”. Even the kids in the local primary school know what a lie this is, yet the Deputy PM, Oliver Dowden, says Braverman “hasn’t crossed a line”.

Lee Anderson, the MP who claimed that you could cook a meal for 30p, recently stated that Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, had “given the city to his (Muslim) mates” – a meaningless statement.

What has the PM done to show that he controls “his” party? So far nothing; it’s been the Chief Whip who has pushed Anderson out of the Tory Party.

And to cap it all, Mrs Braverman says “British values are being diluted” by the citizens whose presence here she objects to.

In fact, the British values of truth, honesty, tolerance, community and respect for others is being diluted by these profoundly outspoken, manipulative and dangerous “politicians” who set the agenda of our political discussions.

They leave aside the real issues facing us all: the continuing cost of living crisis (one million British kids are destitute), the NHS crisis (7.7 million of us waiting for appointments), the schools crisis (95% face teacher recruitment problems).

Are we to be led into further depths of hatred and suspicion of “other” British citizens when a little clear thinking shows us this “rule by dishonesty” has nothing positive to give us?

The moderate Tories have sold their souls, and what was formerly a proud party, into the hands of an incalculably dangerous few. Jeremy Hall