Prime Minister Rishi Sunak voiced concerns on Friday, suggesting that Britain’s diverse democracy is under threat from both Islamist and far-right extremists. He urged for a firmer approach to policing protests amid a surge in hate speech and criminal activities.
Addressing the press outside Downing Street, Sunak highlighted a worrying rise in extremist disruptions and criminal behavior. He emphasized the need to safeguard Britain’s status as a successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy.
Recent events, including threats against lawmakers expressing support for Israel amid its conflict with Hamas, underscored the gravity of the situation.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Sunak stressed the importance of preventing extremist elements from hijacking legitimate causes. He urged law enforcement to proactively manage such gatherings to ensure public safety and prevent the spread of hateful ideologies.
Sunak also condemned the symbiotic relationship between Islamist and far-right extremism, labeling them as “two sides of the same coin.” He announced measures to revoke the right to reside in Britain for individuals promoting hatred, regardless of their immigration status.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over the election of George Galloway, a left-wing politician known for controversial statements, to parliament. He criticized Galloway’s response to past acts of violence and reiterated the need for a unified stance against extremism.
Sunak’s remarks followed a recent parliamentary incident where Speaker Lindsay Hoyle faced backlash for allowing a contentious vote on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hoyle later attributed his decision to concerns about lawmaker safety.
Sunak urged all political factions to unite against divisive forces and combat extremism. While accusations of Islamophobia have surfaced within some Conservative ranks, Sunak called for solidarity in confronting this threat to British democracy.
