After fighting off accusations of racism and Islamophobia within their party, the Conservatives have announced five organizations that fall under the new definition of “Extremism.”
Gove Announces Extremist Groups
Communities Secretary Michael Gove has announced five groups that the government has deemed to be “extremist” after redefining the word to be broader. The list condemned the organizations, with Gove arguing that they are believed to hold “extremist” values and are currently under the watchful eye of the authorities.
The list of five groups includes two far-right groups considered “neo-Nazi” along with three Muslim organizations. The far-right organizations included in the list are the British Nationalist Socialist Movement and the Patriotic Alternative, both considered to be fascist and neo-Nazi movements. The list also included three Muslim organizations such as Mend, Cage and the Muslim Association of Britain.
Gove’s Comment on Extremist Support
Gove insisted that it is “critically important we do not unwittingly or through ignorance fund or support organizations who are themselves extremist.” Gove told Members of Parliament that the named groups are the ones “we should be concerned” about after redefining the meaning of “extremism.”
The Conservative government wanted to redefine the meaning of the word “extremism” after the debate on whether pro-Palestinian protests were being run by extremists, as Gove claimed.
The new definition of the word claims that “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that could “negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others,” is considered “extremist.”
Gove Insists List Is Not Restricting Freedom of Speech
Despite listing three Muslim organizations on the “extremist” list, Gove insisted that the new definition is “in no way intending to restrict freedom of expression, religion or belief.”
Gove argued that previously, “extremist groups and actors have sought to present themselves as moderate voices representative of majority or mainstream opinion.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently voiced his opinion on pro-Palestinian protestors whom he referred to as “extremists” that are causing “disruption and criminality.” Sunak said in the address that took place outside Downing Street “What started as protests on our streets, has descended into intimidation, threats, and planned acts of violence.”
Gove Bans Popular Chant
Gove has also claimed that the popular chant used by the protestors, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is anti-Semitic and calls for the “destruction” of Israel, although critics argue otherwise. Many Muslim organizations have cited their worry about the new definition of extremism, claiming that it could have a “chilling” effect on freedom of speech in the UK.
Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, admitted that “Extremism is a grave concern, and we all stand in opposition to it” before expressing worry about Gove’s statement.
Mohammed called the proposals by Gove “flawed” and argued, “On what grounds are these (Muslim) groups being labelled as extremist?”
Tory Party Under Fire
The Conservative Party has come under fire for its Members’ alleged Islamophobic rhetoric, including former Tory MP Lee Anderson and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refrained from calling either Anderson or Braverman “Islamophobic” as they both insisted that “Islamists” had taken over the UK.
Both Gove and the Prime Minister have forgiven a Tory donor for saying that Diane Abbott, the first black woman in Parliament, made him “want to hate all black women.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded the Prime Minister “Get a grip” on alleged “Extremism” in the Tory Party after Sunak’s national address on the protests.
The post Gove Defines ‘Extremist’ Organisations in New List first appeared on Pulse365.
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