Michael Gove names far-right and Islamist groups which could fall under fresh extremism definition

Communities Secretary Michael Gove has named five groups that will be re-assessed as a result of the government’s new definition of extremism.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Gove said two far-right organisations – the British National Socialist Movement and the Patriotic Alternative – and three Islamist organisations – the Muslim Association of Britain, Cage and MEND – are groups “we should be concerned” about.

The government announced the new definition of extremism this morning, describing it 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” or “undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights”.

It also includes those who “intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve” either of those aims.

The update came as part of a ministerial drive to clamp down on the Islamist and far-right extremism that has intensified in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

But some critics have raised concerns that it could have a “chilling effect” on free speech, while others say it doesn’t go far enough and there needs to be a change in the law to tackle extremism.

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