Javid challenges ‘poisonous’ talk

THE Home Secretary is set to call on public figures to “moderate their language” to halt the spread of poisonous ideologies.

In a speech later today, Sajid Javid is due to call for an honest “national conversation” about extremism and challenge anti-immigration rhetoric, which he says is stoking division and fear.

It comes after Donald Trump sparked a racism row when he sent tweets telling four female Democratic politicians to “go back” to the countries from which they came.

Mr Javid said: “I’m from an immigrant family, I know what it’s like to be told to go back to where I came from.

“We must confront the myths about immigration that extremists use to drive divisions. “We know the scale is exaggerated to stoke up fear and that they use immigration as a proxy for race.

“Anyone can challenge the myths peddled by extremists that deepen divisions.

“So tell your friends, shout it loud and proud: people from minority backgrounds did not steal our jobs, they’re not terrorists, there is no global ‘Zionist conspiracy’.”

Mr Javid is set to outline a threepronged approach to tackling extremism – confronting narratives, strengthening communities’ resilience and tackling causes of extremist ideology – in what is being touted as one of the first major interventions since the Counter Extremism Strategy was launched in 2015.

He is due to call for further integration within society, more help for people to learn English, greater support for communities and a celebration of national identity.

Mr Javid said: “I will do everything in my power to stop those who seek to undermine our country

“If we are to stop extremism in its tracks we must have the courage to confront it, the strength to take decisive action, and the foresight to tackle the root causes.”

Sajid Javid