Liberty's view on government plans for defining extremism

Posted: 14th March 2024

Watch Liberty’s views on Extremism, as defined by the government.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4f05D8oEZ8/

Ministers speak about wanting ‘unity’, but by branding views ‘extremist’ they create further division in society.

The Government also claims this new definition is about protecting democracy. But they are pushing it through with no public consultation or Parliamentary scrutiny – this behaviour is the opposite of democratic.

In a healthy democracy, governments engage with people they agree and disagree with. Instead, the current Government is trying to silence dissenting voices.

Ironically, Liberty challenges this government every day for attacking fundamental rights and freedoms. Last month, we were in court challenging them for undermining the UK’s system of parliamentary democracy.2

Strikingly, people from all walks of life have come out against this latest undemocratic move. From trade unions, to counter-terror experts, to survivors of terror attacks and bereaved families, to former Home Secretaries – the new definition enjoys little or no support.

The definition should be scrapped, and Liberty stands firmly against it. We will remain vigilant against this and other threats to freedom of expression.

Best wishes,

Akiko Hart

Director