New Government proposals could see anyone who “undermines” the UK’s values be branded an “extremist” as tensions mount between police and pro-Palestine protests.
Many officials and experts fear the move represents a concerning crackdown on free speech by the government.
The plans, reported by the Guardian after seeing documents drawing them up, are being formed by civil servants working for Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove.
Earlier this year Mr Gove began a review of non-violent extremism earlier this year, with the new definition aiming to “frame a new, unified response to extremism”.
The documents, the outlet claimed, included a list of organisations that would be captured under the new definition.
These include: The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Palestine Action, and Mend (Muslim Engagement and Development).
The latter organisation has featured at several Conservative party conference fringe events and even provided evidence to parliamentary committees.
The documents reportedly state: “Extremism is the promotion or advancement of any ideology which aims to overturn or undermine the UK’s system of parliamentary democracy, its institutions and values.”
There has been no public consultation on the new definition.
Experts warn the new definition could restrict the ability for organisations and individuals to criticise government institutions.
Civil rights groups have warned the plans would mean “criminalising dissent” and with such a broad definition, could include legitimate organisations and people.
The proposed definition also includes: “Sustained support for, or continued uncritical association with organisations or individuals who are exhibiting extremist behaviours.”
The last few weeks have seen rising tensions between police and pro-Palestinian protesters, who home secretary Suella Braverman accused of conducting “hate marches”.
The protesters are calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as over 10,000 people have already been killed in the conflict.
A government spokesperson said: “We are clear there is no place for extremism, and over the last few years we have taken action to tackle hatred and those who seek to divide us.
“As you would expect, we keep our approach to tackling extremism under review to ensure it meets the evolving challenge it poses.”
