Sunak plans to widen definition of extremism under Prevent

Rishi Sunak has announced plans to widen the definition of 'extremism' to include people who 'vilify' Britain, if he is elected.

The plans would lead to more people being referred to the Prevent programme, with Sunak saying he would focus on “rooting out those who are vocal in their hatred of our country”.

The current 2011 Prevent strategy 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”, as well as calls for the death of armed forces personnel.

However, Sunak has pledged to broaden the term out to include “vilification of the UK” to ensure “those with an extreme hatred of our country that leads them to pose a risk to national security can be identified and diverted away from a destructive path”.

Sunak's team stressed it was not a legally binding definition and that criticising the government or any of its policies would not count as vilification but instead “help guide the public sector in its work to keep the UK safe”.

However, former counter-terrorism chief Sir Peter Fahy, who was also chief constable of Greater Manchester police, questioned the precise meaning of “vilification”.

He said: “The widening of Prevent could damage its credibility and reputation. It makes it more about people’s thoughts and opinions.

“It is straying into thought crimes and political opinions.”

He continued: “Political opposition is not where police should be, it is those who pose a serious threat and risk of violence, not those opposed to political systems.”