The UK government has published a new definition of ‘extremism.’ Critics fear it could curtail free speech

Michael Gove, UK communities secretary, has published a new definition of “extremism”, which he claims will tackle a threat from Islamist and right-wing extremists that has worsened since the Hamas attacks on October 7.

In a statement Gove insisted the definition will set a “high bar that only captures the most concerning of activities” and will not affect free speech or silence those with “private and peaceful beliefs”.

The guidelines, released on Thursday, will not affect criminal law but are intended to stop the government funding or engaging with groups that spread extreme ideologies or hate in their communities.

They define extremism as “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others”.

The definition covers those who seek to “undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights” or intentionally create a “permissive environment” for others to achieve those aims.

The Muslim Brotherhood organization, through the Muslim Association of Britain, participated in a live broadcast on BBC channel, accusing the legal media of tarnishing the reputation of British Islamic organizations.

A Brotherhood leader in Britain, Azzam Al-Tamimi, stated on 14/03/2024 that The extremist right wing government of Rishi Sunak and Michael Gove has published a list of the honourable in the UK. These are the organisations that stand for truth & justice, something the Sunak government is allergic to.

Additionally, Brotherhood leader Anas Al-Tikriti made several statements:- ⬇️

"It amuses me how the media is constantly peddling the line: 'well, being labelled an extremist isn't an accusation of criminality'.

In a way it's worse. 

Being cast in a grey zone, serves two main objectives:

1) It's almost impossible to defend yourself legally, because being an extremist isn't an accusation of any illegality, it's an entirely subjective assessment.

2) You're left totally exposed to accusation, suspicion, disengagement and defamation, because "well, you never know", and "no flame without fire", and "just in case.".

More importantly, it casts the government as pathetically weak and without any legs to stand on, otherwise it would've banned these organisations or sought legal redress against them."

Who is Anas Altikriti? 

Anas Altikriti, CEO of The Cordoba Foundation, is an internationally accredited translator and interpreter by profession and a postgraduate lecturer in the same field. He was a leading figure of the British Anti-War Movement and Chair of the 2-million Iraq demonstration in February 2003.

He is a media commentator and writer in Arabic and English, as well as an advisor and consultant to numerous UK and international organisations on Muslim politics, East-West relations, combating extremism, negotiations, and dialogue. 

He is former President of the Muslim Association of Britain, a founding member of the British Muslim Initiative and an advisor to the European Muslim Research Centre