Scale of extremism in Britain to be laid bare with ‘important’ review

The scale and impact of extremism across the UK will be laid bare in a landmark review set to be launched by a newly-created expert body.

The Commission for Countering Extremism (CCE) will carry out an intensive exercise of evidence-gathering in coming months with a view to publishing the first study of its kind.

Sara Khan, who was appointed as lead commissioner by the UK government earlier this year, said it was an “important moment” for the CCE.

“I’ve already met with more than 300 experts and activists,” she said. “Communities are deeply concerned about the impact of extremism.

“Extremism is sowing division and hate, spreading fear and undermining democratic values and human rights.

“But it’s also complex and changing. In 2018, the old stereotypes of far-right thugs and Islamist hate preachers don’t always apply.”

Plans to set up the commission were announced by Prime Minister Theresa May in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing in May last year – one of five terror attacks in Britain in 2017.

The body has been tasked with identifying and challenging all forms of extremism, advising ministers on new policies and promoting “pluralistic British values”.

The new study into extremism will investigate the scale of the problem and the changing tactics of extremists.