Efforts to combat extremism are failing because the Government's definition of it is so broad that it is hampering free speech, the counter-extremism commissioner has said.
In an exclusive article for The Telegraph on the eve of her first major report today, Sara Khan said the freedom of people to call out extremism is being muzzled because the definition includes legitimate debate and free speech as well as terrorism.
Her report released on Monday, based on 3,000 responses to her inquiry, survey data and visits to 20 towns and cities, will warn that communities are being ripped apart by “hateful extremism” because of the Government’s “unfocused” strategy.
She writes: “As our report shows, distinguishing democratic debate from hateful extremist activity is critical. We must continue to protect and preserve freedom of expression.
“This includes our right to be radical, to protest and even be offensive. I believe we need more speech not less to counter hateful extremism; more discussion and debate is vital.” [The Telegraph] Read more
