Context

Britain unveiled a new definition of extremism in response to an eruption of hate crimes against Jews and Muslims.

The new definition of ‘Extremism’

• Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to:

1. 1. negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
   2. undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
   3. intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2)

• The types of behaviour below are indicative of the kind of promotion or advancement which may be relevant to the definition, and are an important guide to its application. The further context below is also an essential part of the definition.

1: Dimension- Drivers of Extremism

• Religious/communal tension
• Revenge and retaliation against perceived or real
• discrimination/dis-affection/rights violations
• Unemployment and economic despair and poor governance
• Breakdown of social networks/social marginalisation

2: Dimension- Threats from extremism

• The threat from extremism has been steadily growing for many years. 
• Extremism can lead to the radicalisation of individuals, deny people their full rights and opportunities, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred, erode our democratic institutions, social capital and cohesion, and can lead to acts of terrorism. 

Labelling a group extremist will make the public and other bodies shun them. The initiative is not about banning groups but making clear who the government should not engage with.