Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor, has issued a warning that extremist groups are threatening the country’s “multi-faith democracy” and the UK must face these groups head-on. The Chancellor has expressed concerns that both Islamist extremist groups and the far-right were a two-pronged attack on the UK’s social fabric. He had also voiced concerns over protests that had taken place in the UK following last month’s Israel-Gaza conflict.
Mr Sunak spoke at a lectern set up outside No 10, making his speech in the same format as important announcements such as national elections. However, he didn’t announce any new policies. The statement came just hours after his response to the Rochdale by-election, which he described as one of the most divisive in recent times.
The Prime Minister said his government was committed to combating extremism. However, he declined to mention law changes or repeat his phrase “mob rule” as he had done following a meeting with police in Street on Wednesday. Mr Sunak also criticised George Galloway, a former MP for Rochdale, for dismissing what happened in Israel last month.
In his speech, Mr Sunak warned that democracy had become “a target,” saying that MPs no longer felt safe. He said the police had a “tough job” managing recent protests, but he urged them must “draw a line.” The Chancellor said that people on marches should not be allowed to call for violent Jihad or the eradication of a particular state.
Mr Sunak has also pledged to strengthen the Prevent programme, which seeks to counter all forms of extremist ideologies and steer individuals away from radicalisation. Universities would be urged to tackle “extremist activity,” and there would be measures to stop radicals from coming to the UK “to undermine its values.”
In recent months, the UK has been facing increased political tensions due to the Israel-Gaza conflict, threatening the country’s multi-faith democracy. As a result, the UK Home Office has announced £31m of funding aimed at protecting democratic processes and expanding security for politicians
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More