UK Government Rejects Proposal to Expand Extremism Definition

Ministers reaffirm focus on Islamist and far-right threats, rejecting leaked report's call to include broader behaviors and ideologies.

A leaked Home Office report proposed expanding the definition of extremism to include behaviors like spreading misinformation, misogyny, and involvement in the 'manosphere.'
The government clarified that the leaked recommendations will not be adopted and reaffirmed its focus on Islamist and far-right extremism as the primary threats to national security.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the need to address a growing cohort of 'extreme loners' responsible for acts of violence, distinct from ideologically motivated terrorism.
Critics, including Policy Exchange analysts, warned that broadening the definition of extremism could threaten free speech and overwhelm counter-terrorism resources with non-ideological cases.
The Home Secretary has ordered a review of the Prevent program's thresholds after the Southport murders, which exposed gaps in addressing individuals without clear ideological motives.