PM: Worrying rise in extremist activity in UK

PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak would not say whether Cheltenham’s GCHQ would help in deciding who is classed under the government’s controversial new extremism definition.

Mr Sunak was also asked during his visit to Kingsholm Stadium, the home of Gloucester Rugby on Friday, to respond to fears the new definition might unfairly target Muslim communities in Gloucestershire.

Mr Sunak said the new definition is needed as there has been a worrying rise in “extremist activity” which is seeking to undermine the UK’S democratic values.

But he stressed the new definition is not about a particular group of people nor about suppressing free speech.

“There has been a worrying rise in the amount of extremist activity in our country,” he said.

“It’s seeking to foster hate and sow division and undermine our democratic values and I think it’s right the Government has the tools that it needs to protect everyone against that.

“What there will be is an expert body of academics and others that will help the Government come to a view against the criteria that will be outlined over what constitutes extremism and not. I want to reassure everybody this is not about one particular group and it is not about suppressing free speech which is fundamental to who we are as a country.

“But it is making sure where there is activity which goes against our democratic values and is a threat to us. The Government will have the tools to protect against that.”

Mr Sunak said there is absolutely no place in British society for anti Muslim hatred.

“We should never conflate the peaceful practice of the religion of Islam with Islamist extremists,” he said.