Gove names Muslim and white supremacist groups as he outlines extremism definition

The activities of the extreme-right wing are a growing worry, sommunities secretary Michael Gove said.

Mr Gove said neo-Nazi groups such as the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative will be assessed under the government’s new definition of extremism.

He told the Commons: “We are in no way intending to restrict freedom of expression, religion or belief, but the government cannot be in a position where unwittingly or not we sponsor, subsidise or support in any way organisations (or) individuals opposed to the freedoms we hold dear.

“I’m sure that we would agree that organisations such as the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative who promote neo-Nazi ideology, argue for forced repatriation, a white ethno-state and the targeting of minority groups for intimidation, are precisely the type of groups about which we should be concerned and whose activities we will assess against the new definition.

“The activities of the extreme-right wing are a growing worry, the targeting of Muslim and Jewish communities and individuals by these groups is of profound concern requiring assertive action.”

The government is being clear-eyed about the threat of extremism to “beat this poison”, the Communities Secretary told the Commons.

Michael Gove said: “The time has come for us all to stand together to combat the forces of division and to beat this poison.

“The liberties we hold dear, and indeed the democratic principles we’re all sent here to uphold, require us to counter and challenge the extremists who seek to intimidate, to coerce and to divide.

“We have to be clear-eyed about the threat we face, precise about where that threat comes from, and rigorous in defending our democracy.

“That means upholding freedom of expression, religion and belief when they are threatened, facing down harassment and hate, supporting the communities facing the greatest challenge from extremist activity and ensuring this House and this country are safe, free and united.”

Gove says that, in working with civic society groups, it was critical that the government did not inadvertently fund or support extremist groups.

He adds that, in the past, some of these groups have sought to present themselves as “moderate voices” but were found to have extremist views.

The white supremacist group British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alterntive will be considered as part of a ban on engaging with the government, as well as anti-War on Terror group CAGE , Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) and Muslim Association with Britain, which he says “give rise to concern”.

Levelling up secretary notes that there has been a “terrible” rise in both anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic hate crime in recent months amid the war in Gaza.

He says that, “troublingly”, there is evidence that some Islamists, right-wing extremists – and others – “who seek to tear our country apart are working together” to maximise the reach of their message.

He says that is why the work of civil society groups in both the Jewish and Muslim communities are so important.

He says these talks have revealed widespread “unease” over the safety and security of community organisations, politicians and candidates.

Gove notes that councillors and council meetings have been threatened with violence and disrupted, noting that the war in Gaza is further driving polarisation in society.

He adds that the people carrying out these acts are having a “chilling effect on our democracy”.

He says most extremist materials and activities “are not illegal” and do not meet the national security or terrorism threshold.

Gove uses the example of Islamist and neo-Nazi groups, who he says are able to operate lawfully in the UK.

He adds that his department has been working with groups to come up with the new definition of extremism, “especially those where social cohesion is most under strain”.

He says the UK is under threat from extremists who are “radicalising our young people”.

The levelling up secretary adds these actors are stoking tensions in and between communities to further their “own ends”.

Therefore, he says, the government has had to update its definition of extremism to protect the UK’s “democratic” values.

Michael Gove is now delivering his statement to MPs in the House of Commons.

He starts by saying that the UK is a “success story” – a multi-ethnic democracy that is stronger because of its diversity.

But, he says, “our values are under challenge”.

Labour MPs could feel the warm tide of power flowing in their direction at Prime Minister’s Questions, writes John Rentoul – as Sunak experienced the most uncomfortable half-hour of his 17 months as prime minister.

Read John’s piece in full here: