Archbishop of Canterbury warns Government over new extremism definition
Justin Welby met with Michael Gove to discuss the plans
In a joint statement, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Archbishop of York have warned the Government that its new extremism definition risks “disproportionately targeting Muslim communities” and “driving us apart”
Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell said the government's response, to the rise in extremism, may “vilify the wrong people and risk yet more division”.
They added: "the new definition may threaten freedom of speech, worship and protest, the Archbishops urge Government to reconsider and consult far more widely with all those affected."
The plan, due to be launched on Thursday - subject to cross-government sign-off - will see a change in the definition.
The 9-year-old definition defines extremism as "vocal or active opposition to British values".
The updated definition is going to, according to a Sky News source, be the "promotion or advancement of ideology based on hatred, intolerance or violence or undermining or overturning the rights or freedoms of others, or of undermining democracy itself".
Government sources confirm this is the intent of the new wording but the exact phraseology has not been published.
A government spokesperson said it would ensure no "extremist organisations or individuals" were given a platform.
It follows a statement by Rishi Sunak at the start of the month in which he said the UK must face down extremists undermining British democracy.
But the archbishops said "crucially, it risks disproportionately targeting Muslim communities, who are already experiencing rising levels of hate and abuse."
The Church of England has now said it will work with the government to help communities and facilitate conversations, something it says would fulfil its historic role.