The UK Government's 'extremism' definition explained

But it has come under fire across the political spectrum – with critics saying the new guidelines will have a “chilling” effect on freedom of speech.

What is the Government’s new ‘extremism’ definition?

The Government has had an official definition of extremism since 2011 and today’s announcement by Communities Secretary Michael Gove updates this.

The 2011 definition defined extremism as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs” and calls for the death of armed forces personnel.

READ MORE: Pro-Palestine groups accuse UK Government of 'Islamophobia' in extremism row

The new definition is broader. It defines extremism as advancing ideologies “based on violence, hatred or intolerance” which aim to “destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others” or “undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights”. It also includes organisations or individuals who “intentionally create a permissive environment for others” to achieve either goal.

In explanatory notes, the Government says that behaviour which could constitute extremism include promoting violence to intimidate enemies, advocating unlawful means to challenge the political system and establishing “parallel governance structures”. 

Also included is giving an “uncritical platform” or consistently associating with people who advance the above viewpoints.

Those who are deemed to be extremists under the new definition are barred from receiving state funding or from benefitting with any association with the Government. 

What’s the controversy?

Gove’s announcement comes at a time of heightened political tensions. MPs regularly complain of death threats through social media, a number of parliamentarians have been killed or faced real threats of violence in recent years.

But the announcement also comes at a time of intense debate around Israel’s bombardment of Gaza since Hamas’s attacks on October 7.

Since then, pro-Palestine protesters have taken to the streets every week calling for a ceasefire. But their campaign has seen them branded “hate marchers” and accused of antisemitism by senior Conservative politicians.

READ MORE: Muslim group named in extremism statement hit back at Tory 'authoritarianism'

Some critics have said the Government is seeking to stoke Islamophobia and delegitimise pro-Palestine activists and groups with the new measures.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which organises weekly marches throughout the UK, accused the Government of seeking to “demonise those protesting as hatemongers, Islamist mobs and antisemites”.

But Gove has also come in for criticism by his own side, with former cabinet minister Kit Malthouse raising concerns the new guidelines could have a “chilling” effect on fundamental rights like freedom of expression.

Elsewhere, Tory MP Miriam Cates suggested gender critical feminists could find themselves labelled extremists because of the new legislation.

SNP home affairs spokeswoman Alison Thewliss (above) said in the Commons that a rise in extremism is being driven “by the culture wars stoked” by the Conservative Party.

Have any groups been labelled ‘extremist’?

Gove mentioned five groups in his speech in the Commons today. Two were far-right groups – Patriotic Alternative and the British National Socialist Movement – while three were Muslim groups – the Muslim Association of Britain, Cage and Mend.

While he did not go as far as labelling any “extremist”, he said they all raised concerns within the Government and that their activities would be examined.