The government has published an “updated, more focused” definition of extremism, following Rishi Sunak’s Friday evening address on “extremist disruption”.
It says that the new definition is designed to respond to an “increased extremist threat since October 7 terror attacks in Israel” – although points out that the definition is not statutory and has no effect on the existing criminal law, and (only) applies to the operations of government itself.
Until now, individuals or groups have only been defined as extremist if they show:
…vocal or active opposition to British fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.”
Now that has changed to “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on intolerance, hatred or violence” that aims to “negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others” or “undermines, overturns or replaces the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights”. Also included are individuals or groups who “intentionally create a permissive environment for others” to achieve the above”.
