UK Govt publish new Countering Extremism Strategy (Oct 2015)

Click here to read full document.

In the forward, Prime Minister David Cameron says:

'One of the greatest threats we face is the scourge of extremism from those who want to divide us. We see it in sickening displays of neo-Nazism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and, of course, Islamist extremism.The fight against Islamist extremism is, I believe, one of the great struggles of our generation.'

Home Secretary Theresa May continues:

'At the heart of this strategy is a partnership between government and all those individuals, groups and communities, who want to see extremism defeated. It is a partnership that will not only seek to counter the ideology spread by extremists, but will stand up for the shared values that unite us as a country: values that include democracy, free speech, mutual respect, and opportunity for all.'

The strategic response section lays out 4 clear proposals to deal with the broad challenge of extremism.

• Countering extremist ideology – We will continue to confront and challenge extremist propaganda, ensuring no space goes uncontested, includingonline, promoting a better alternative, and supporting those at risk of radicalisation.

• Building a partnership with all those opposed to extremism – We will go further to stand with and build the capacity of mainstream individuals, community organisations and others in our society who work every day

to challenge extremists and protect vulnerable individuals.

• Disrupting extremists – We will create new targeted powers, flexible enough to cover the full range of extremist behaviour, including where extremists sow division in our communities and seek to undermine the rule of law.

• Building more cohesive communities – We will review, understand and address the reasons why some people living here do not identify with our country and our values. A new Cohesive Communities Programme will help those communities most at risk of isolation.

​Implications for FRSs published here tomorrow.