An official survey revealed in July that most people think the government’s definition of extremism is unhelpful.
Over 2,500 members of the public submitted views to the Commission on Countering Extremism, with 58% saying the definition is ‘very unhelpful’.
Speaking in the wake of the report, the then Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, said his department was starting work on a new Counter-Extremism Strategy.
The government’s 2015 report states: ‘Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
‘We also regard calls for the death of members of our armed forces as extremist’.
Asked if they could describe extremism, 70% of the public said they were ‘not sure’. Only 25% thought they could.
The results came from the Commission’s first call for evidence, ahead of making recommendations to the Home Secretary.
‘Thought Police’
Speaking in South London on 19 July, Javid criticised the ‘thought police’, adding, ‘people are entitled to hold and express their own views. But the challenge is being able to identify where an opinion crosses the line into extremism.’ He added ‘[that there is a] delicate balance between personal and religious freedom and protecting our shared values’. Javid also announced that his previous department has started work ‘on a comprehensive new Counter-Extremism Strategy’.
Sara Khan, the government-appointed Lead Commissioner for Countering Extremism, also gave a speech in July to give an update on the commission’s findings.
She said: ‘Our findings show extremism isn’t confined to one race, one religion or political ideology. People are scared that violent extremists will incite or carry out an attack. People are also deeply worried about the non-violent impact of groups exploiting local tensions to spread hate and division.’
She added: ‘Yet we must guard our right to debate and speak our minds. Our right to be radical. We are free to protest, to speak truth to power and to be offensive. This is our amazing – and at times infuriating – democracy. Making sure it stays that way, is for me, the vital role of counter extremism.’
Nevertheless, Christian Concern highlighted a BBC Panorama documentary, during which Sara Khan labels the parents protesting LGBT teaching in Birmingham as ‘extremists’.
Carys Moseley, of Christian Concern, said: ‘Although most of the vocal protesters have been Muslims, she [Khan] aimed her attack equally at Christian and Jewish parents who have also objected to the new curriculum guidance.’
Moseley criticised the BBC programme, explaining that Khan implied that anyone who has ‘conservative’ religious views on RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) is guilty of ‘extremism’. Moseley added that: ‘[Khan pays no attention] to the trauma that children are suffering due to confusion from lessons. Is she fit to be Commissioner for Countering Extremism?’
