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NEW DELHI: The British government on Thursday introduced a new definition of extremism in response to a surge in hate crimes against Jews and Muslims following the Hamas attacks on Israel.
The new definition comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned earlier this month of a “shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality” that risked the country tipping into “mob rule”.
The announcement follows regular pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London, where incidents of anti-Semitic chanting and banners have led to numerous arrests.
Under the new definition, extremism encompasses actions that seek to undermine fundamental rights, freedoms, or the UK’s democratic system.
Senior minister Michael Gove, overseeing the implementation of the definition, emphasized its role in safeguarding democracy and preventing the platforming of those aiming to subvert it. “Today’s measures will ensure that the government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other people’s fundamental rights.”
“This is the first in a series of measures to tackle extremism and protect our democracy,” said Gove.
However, concerns have been raised by church leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who cautioned against the potential targeting of Muslim communities. They argue that the new definition may exacerbate existing tensions and divisions within society.
Britain already bans groups involved in terrorism, with supporting or being a member of such organizations considered a criminal offense. The Palestinian group Hamas is among the 80 international organizations banned by the UK.
Moving forward, groups identified as extremist through a robust assessment in the coming weeks will not face legal action but will be denied funding or engagement by the government.
Currently, no groups have been officially defined as extremist under the previous definition in place since 2011.
Gove remarked that certain recent significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations in central London had been orchestrated by “extremist organizations” and suggested that individuals might reconsider their support for such protests if they were aware of the affiliations of these groups.
“The problem with a top-down definition of extremism is that it catches people who (we) don’t want to catch,” said Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion.
“It may accidentally inhibit what we have very preciously in this country, an extraordinarily robust freedom of speech and the ability to disagree strongly,” Welby told BBC Radio on Wednesday.
Over 50 survivors or family members of victims of Islamist attacks in Britain have signed a letter, alleging that certain politicians are inadvertently aiding militants by “associating Muslim identity with extremism.”
(with input from agency)
The new definition comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned earlier this month of a “shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality” that risked the country tipping into “mob rule”.
The announcement follows regular pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London, where incidents of anti-Semitic chanting and banners have led to numerous arrests.
Under the new definition, extremism encompasses actions that seek to undermine fundamental rights, freedoms, or the UK’s democratic system.
Senior minister Michael Gove, overseeing the implementation of the definition, emphasized its role in safeguarding democracy and preventing the platforming of those aiming to subvert it. “Today’s measures will ensure that the government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other people’s fundamental rights.”
“This is the first in a series of measures to tackle extremism and protect our democracy,” said Gove.
However, concerns have been raised by church leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who cautioned against the potential targeting of Muslim communities. They argue that the new definition may exacerbate existing tensions and divisions within society.
Britain already bans groups involved in terrorism, with supporting or being a member of such organizations considered a criminal offense. The Palestinian group Hamas is among the 80 international organizations banned by the UK.
Moving forward, groups identified as extremist through a robust assessment in the coming weeks will not face legal action but will be denied funding or engagement by the government.
Currently, no groups have been officially defined as extremist under the previous definition in place since 2011.
Gove remarked that certain recent significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations in central London had been orchestrated by “extremist organizations” and suggested that individuals might reconsider their support for such protests if they were aware of the affiliations of these groups.
“The problem with a top-down definition of extremism is that it catches people who (we) don’t want to catch,” said Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion.
“It may accidentally inhibit what we have very preciously in this country, an extraordinarily robust freedom of speech and the ability to disagree strongly,” Welby told BBC Radio on Wednesday.
Over 50 survivors or family members of victims of Islamist attacks in Britain have signed a letter, alleging that certain politicians are inadvertently aiding militants by “associating Muslim identity with extremism.”
(with input from agency)
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