Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Extremists trying to tear us apart, warns Sunak
PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak used an evening address yesterday to warn that democracy is being targeted by extremists.
Mr Sunak said there are “forces here at home trying to tear us apart”.
Speaking at a lectern outside the doors of No 10 Downing Street, Mr Sunak warned about the current situation in Britain, in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks by Hamas against Israel.
And he said the victory of George Galloway in the Rochdale by-election was “beyond alarming”.
“In recent weeks and months, we have seen a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality,” he said in a hastily arranged address to the nation.
“What started as protests on our streets have descended into intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence.
“Jewish children, fearful to wear their school uniform lest it reveals their identity. Muslim women abused in the street for the actions of a terrorist group they have no connection with.
“Now our democracy itself is a target. Council meetings and local events have been stormed. MPs do not feel safe in their homes. Longstanding parliamentary conventions have been upended because of safety concerns.
“And it’s beyond alarming that last night, the Rochdale by-election returned a candidate that dismisses the horror of what happened on October 7, who glorifies Hezbollah and is endorsed by Nick Griffin, the racist former leader of the BNP.”
In his victory speech, newly elected Rochdale MP George Galloway announced that his win was “for Gaza” following a campaign dominated by the conflict.
Mr Sunak, in a message aimed at those taking part in pro-Palestine protests, urged people to reject extremist messages.
Mr Galloway said he did not understand Mr Sunak’s suggestions that he “glorifies Hezbollah” but hoped they could discuss it on Wednesday if the Prime Minister “has the guts”.
Mr Sunak said the newly elected MP for Rochdale “dismisses the horror
of what happened on October 7”, “glorifies Hezbollah” and is “endorsed by Nick Griffin, the racist former leader of the BNP”.
“I’m not responsible for whoever declares they endorse me... I’ve never met Mr Griffin and have no intention to,” Mr Galloway told Channel 5 News.
“I don’t know what the glorifying of Hezbollah is all about but maybe he can tell me on Wednesday at Prime Minister’s Questions if he’s got the guts.”
Mr Sunak said the Government will support the police when they take action during extremist protests.
He said he made clear while meeting with senior police officers that “it is the public’s expectation that they will not only manage these protests but police them”.
“And I say this to the police: we will back you when you take action,” he added. “But if we are asking more of the police, we, the Government, must back up that call with action.”
“This month the Government will implement a new robust framework with how we deal with this issue to ensure we are dealing with the root cause of this problem and that no extremist groups or organisations are being leant legitimacy by their actions and interactions with central Government,” he said.