"It will only add fuel to the fire": Kent's Islamic community fearful over new extremism definition
Michael Gove will announce his new extremism definition later today.
Last updated 14th Mar 2024
An Islamic community from Kent have expressed their fear about Michael Gove's new definition of extremism, which is expected later today.
The government currently defines extremism as "vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs".
The new official definition will allow the government and the public bodies to ban funding and cut ties with any groups that are deemed to have breached it.
In Kent, those of Islamic faith are worried that the planned redefinition will only increase Islamophobia.
Ajaib Hussain, from Medway, is part of the Kent Muslim Welfare Association and said: "What Gove is doing is adding fuel to the fire and adding more hatred and more fear into society. They are making an issue around extremism that is unnecessary.
"It's just another ploy by the government to target Muslim, I absolutely believe that now, otherwise they wouldn't be making all these decision."
Various individuals and groups have criticised the plans, warning that it vilifies the wrong people, such as the Islamic Community.
Yesterday, The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby and the Archbishop of York, Steven Cottrell said they are worried about the potential impact on Muslim communities.
That followed warnings from three Conservative ex-home secretaries this week as well a joint letter signed by 50 victims of Islamist-inspired terror attacks, who believe it is 'irresponsible' for some some politicians to equate extremists with 'the vast majority of British Muslims who deplore such violence.'
They worry that the redefinition will only increase islamophobia further, following a reported 600% rise in anti Muslim hate crime over the last few months.
Hussain said: "I 110% believe that the spikes in hate crime, is a direct result of the government."
Hussain said: "Our kids see that in school, our families feel the way on the way the shops, we all feel that on the way to the mosque.
"Then sadly it only takes decisions, like the one from Gove, to pump up those people who already have a bigoted view on colour, race and religion."