Rishi Sunak said the government would soon introduce a “new, robust framework” to tackle extremism.
London:
Prime Minister Sunak said on Friday that “the time has come” to fight extremist forces and warned that “democracy is a goal in itself” after weeks of tensions in Britain over the conflict in Gaza.
In an unusual speech outside his Downing Street home, Sunak said: “In recent weeks and months we have seen an alarming increase in extremist disruption and criminal activity.”
Regular demonstrations against Israel’s military response to Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack have resulted in dozens of arrests for anti-Semitic slogans and banners, invitations to support banned groups and attacks on emergency workers.
Right-wing counter-protesters were also arrested while traveling to London for Remembrance Day events in November.
“Islamic extremists and far-right groups are spreading a poison. That poison is extremism,” Sunak said.
Matters came to a head last week when the Speaker of the House of Commons said he was objecting to procedure during debates over concerns for MPs’ safety.
Sunak said regular Saturday protests in the capital had “evolved into intimidation, threats and calculated violence”.
“Our democracy is now a target in itself. Parliamentary meetings and local events are being attacked.
“Members of Parliament feel unsafe at home. A long-running parliamentary session was overturned due to security concerns,” he added.
The Prime Minister said “police have a difficult job sustaining protests” but “we have to draw a line”.
He added: “I say to the police, when you take action we will support you.”
Sunak spoke as left-wing firebrand George Galloway, who expressed anger over Israel’s war with Hamas, was elected to the British parliament in a by-election that was roiled by anti-Semitism accusations MP.
Sunak said it was “shocking” that voters had chosen candidates who “dismissed the horrific events of October 7 and glorified Hezbollah”.
He explained that the government would soon introduce a “new, robust framework” to tackle extremism, which would include support for counter-radicalization prevention programs and require universities to cease extremist activity on campus.
Sunak said: “It’s not enough to live side by side, we must live together, united by shared values and a shared commitment to this country.”
“Now is the time for us all to unite against the forces of division,” he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
