London, Thanasis Gavos

A new definition of “extremism» presented to Britain the responsible Communities Secretary Michael Gove, following increased concern about extremism in the country in the wake of the war in Gaza Strip.

In the last five months it has been recorded huge increase in cases antisemitism and Islamophobia in the UK, as well as more organized actions from far right elements.

THE new definition describes extremism as the “promotion or promotion of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” with the aim of “nullifying or destroying the fundamental rights and freedoms of others” or even “undermining, subverting or replacing the British system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights”.

It also includes those who “intentionally create an environment that enables others” to achieve the above goals.

Mr Gove said the new definition was more precise than the previous one, from a 2011 law, which he said was “at odds with fundamental British values”.

He added that following the events of 7 October in Israel, a real danger to the safety of citizens and democracy in the UK has been created: “This is the work of far-right and Islamist extremists who seek to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities’.

The new definition is intended to cover behaviors which are not illegal, but are considered “unacceptable».

In this context, in the coming weeks the government will announce one list of extremist organizations which will be prohibited from contacting government agencies and receiving government funding.

For the time being, individual people will not be placed on the list, but this could change in the future.

However, when asked whether the ruling Conservative Party’s biggest funder Frank Hester’s racist comment against MP Diane Abbott, which has caused a political uproar, falls under the new definition of extremism, Mr Gove replied in the negative.

Mr Hester had said that seeing Ms Abbott “makes you want to hate all black women” and that the Labor MP of nearly 40 years (now an independent) “should be shot”.

As Mr Gove explained, individual comments should not be confused with the extremist ideologies that the new definition seeks to tackle.

The Communities Minister was also clear that the controversial slogan “Palestine will be free from the river to the sea”, which is seen by Jews as a call for the annihilation of the state of Israel, also does not fall under the new definition of extremism, as it is single phrase.