According to Michael Gove, five organizations will be evaluated per a new government definition of extremism.
The community secretary expressed concern to members of parliament regarding the “Islamist orientation” of three of the organizations.
Two organizations that, according to him, propagated “neo-Nazi ideology” were also mentioned.
Although groups that advocate for an ideology founded on “violence, hatred, or intolerance” will be subject to the new definition of extremism, they will not be criminalized as such.
Organizations that comply with the revised criteria will be denied access to government funding and meetings with officials.
In the days leading up to the announcement, members of parliament and civil liberties organizations issued warnings regarding the definition, advising the government against exploiting it for political gain.
Mr. Gove contended that the revised definition, established in 2011, was “more precise” and would facilitate governmental endeavors to combat radicalization.
In addition, he contended that the conflict between Israel and Hamas had “exacerbated societal polarization.”
According to the community secretary, a list of organizations that satisfy the new definition will be compiled after “careful” reviews of the evidence and consultation with civil servants.
The department still needs to establish an exact date for the announcement of the group roster, which is believed to be several weeks away.
However, he stated in the House of Commons that the activities of the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative would be evaluated in light of the revised definition.
He stated that the organizations “promote Neo-Nazi ideology” and that they were “exactly the sort of organizations that warrant our apprehension.”
Additionally, he identified the Muslim Association of Britain, Cage, and MEND as institutions whose “Islamist orientation and views are cause for concern.”
He added that we would hold these and other organizations accountable to determine whether or not they met our definition of extremism and that we would take appropriate action accordingly.
Furthermore, he stated that “precise language usage” was critical when discussing Islamism, which “should not be conflated with Islam.”
He further stated that Islam is a wonderful faith, a religion of peace that nourishes the souls of millions, inspires innumerable acts of charity, and extols the virtues of kindness, compassion, and benevolence.
Islamism, a totalitarian ideology that advocates for the abolition of liberal democratic principles and the establishment of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law, is characterized by its aim to sow division.
“A permissive setting”
Extremism shall henceforth be defined as “the propagation or progress of an ideology founded upon violence, hate, or intolerance, with the objective of…
1. Undermine or annihilate the foundational rights and liberties of others; or
2. Undermine, overthrow, or substitute the liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights system of the United Kingdom or
3. Create on purpose an environment that is conducive to others attaining the outcomes outlined in (1) or (2).”
Extremist-designated organizations and individuals can request reevaluation and submit new evidence for review.
If they disagree, they may petition for a judicial review of the government’s decision.
Contrary to terrorist organizations, entities or individuals included in the list will not face criminal prosecution.
In conjunction with the redefinition, the Counter-Extremism Centre of Excellence, an organization tasked with intelligence gathering and identifying extremist organizations, has been established.
