Micheal Gove published the extremism definition today (Image: Getty)
Michael Gove’s new definition of extremism is both “ill-conceived” and potentially illegal, Muslim leaders have warned after the communities minister’s announcement today.
The Government now defines extremism as “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that aims to destroy others’ rights and freedoms or “undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights”.
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The Government did not provide examples of extremist groups, but Communities Secretary Michael Gove pointed to the threat from the extreme right and "Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities”.
However, the policy shift drew a sharp reaction from the Muslim Council of Britain, with Secretary General Zara Mohammed warning: “A broad cross-section of British society will see through the government’s divisive extremism proposals. Extremism is a grave concern, and we all stand in opposition to it, despite the efforts of bigots to suggest otherwise through baseless accusations.
“As the government presses ahead with its flawed proposals, many of us are questioning: on what grounds are these groups being labelled as extremist, and will there be legal avenues to challenge such determinations imposed by the government?”
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Questions are being asked about Tory donor Frank Hester (Image: Getty)
In a clear reference to Frank Hester, the CEO of software company the Phoenix Partners and Tory Party donor accused of making racist remarks about Diane Abbott MP, Ms Mohammed added: “Furthermore, will the criteria for identifying extremism be uniformly applied irrespective of faith? Will vocal extremists who support the Conservative Party also be subject to these new measures?
“Lastly, will government ministers exploit parliamentary privilege to publicly name these groups, thus denying them the chance to defend themselves?”
Ms Mohammed also appeared to reference new Reform UK MP Lee Anderson over controversial remarks made about London Mayor Sadiq Khan, saying: “In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed genuine extremism as leaders of the Conservative Party have smeared prominent Muslim politicians with the vague ‘Islamist’ label, perpetuating divisive narratives about Muslims purportedly plotting to seize control of the country.”
What she called the “smears” were coupled with a “disgraceful demonisation of thousands of protestors calling for peace in Gaza”, Ms Mohammed claimed.
Pro-Palestinian protests in London last month (Image: GETTY)
She added: “Combatting extremism demands leadership.
"It requires leaders to unite communities rather than sow discord.
“This is why we endorse the call from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to ‘reconsider its approach and instead engage in a comprehensive dialogue with all those who will be affected.’”
Mr Hester, who has given ￡10million to the Tories, is facing scrutiny over saying Hackney North and Stoke Newington Ms Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” and suggested she should be “shot”.
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Mr Gove himself, challenged over Mr Hester’s reported remarks on Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, suggested he would not be referred to the new extremism task force.
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He said: "We have to be clear, we're looking at organisations with a particular ideology.
"The individual concerned said something that was horrific. And as someone who was themselves targeted by an extremist who wanted to kill me and then went on to kill a friend of mine, I take these issues incredibly seriously.
"And so again, I wouldn't want to conflate those motivated by extremist ideology with an individual comment, however horrific, which has quite rightly been called out and which has quite rightly led to an apology."
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