The British government has published a new definition of extremism in response to a surge in hate crimes following Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel, a move critics warn could threaten free speech. The new “more precise” definition deems extremism to be an “ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that has several aims, such as to “negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.” Groups or people who meet that definition will be prohibited from working with or receiving funding from government departments. The new definition has no legal standing and does not affect current criminal law. The government said the new definition was necessary due to a rise in hate crimes since the October 7 attacks. A statement said there had been a 147% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the UK in 2023 compared to 2022, and a 335% increase in anti-Muslim hate cases in the…
