Gove to set out new list of groups deemed ‘extremist’
Michael Gove will for the first time set out a list of non-criminal groups that will be denied access to government funding and prevented from meeting ministers under a new definition of extremism.
The Government has issued an updated, “more focused” definition that will be used by Whitehall departments to ensure officials are not intentionally giving funding or credibility to groups that promote extremist ideologies.
According to officials, the powers will come into effect immediately with a “short” list of groups and organisations that are deemed to be extremist due to be published in the coming weeks.
The new definition will ban the “promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that aims to “negate” the rights and freedom of others; undermine, overturn or replace the
UK’s system of liberal democracy or create an environment for groups to achieve such aims.
Mr Gove (inset) said the measures were being introduced because “our democracy and our values of inclusivity and tolerance are under challenge from extremists”.
“The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy,” he added.
“This is the work of extreme right-wing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities. They seek to radicalise individuals, deny people their full rights, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred, and undermine our democratic institutions.”
Figures show there has been a dramatic increase in racist incidents towards Jewish and Muslim communities over the last 12 months.
The Community Security Trust recorded 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the UK in 2023, an increase of 147 per cent compared to 2022, and Tell Mama recorded a 335 per cent increase in anti-Muslim hate cases in the past four months.
But the measures have been criticised by Tory MPs; Miriam Cates said they could lead to the Government criminalising people who “hold perfectly legitimate views”.
She said: “The state should only intervene if there is an actual threat of physical harm, otherwise we erode our fundamental freedoms of speech, association, expression and religion.”
The independent adviser on political violence and disruption, Lord Walney, said:
“It is welcome that this updated definition includes those who seek to undermine or replace liberal democracy. Greater clarity in defining extremism can underpin a concerted approach across civil society to protect our country.”