Sara Khan to lead new counter extremism body

The Home Office has announced that campaigner and charity leader Sara Khan will become the new lead commissioner for Countering Extremism next month. The role, which runs for three years, has a clear remit to support the government, the public sector, civil and wider society to identify and challenge all forms of extremism. Khan will be expected to provide the government with impartial, external advice on the tools, policies and approaches needed to tackle extremism, as well as support the public sector, communities and civil society to confront extremism wherever it exists. Khan said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been announced as the lead commissioner. I recognise the scale of the challenge we face in confronting extremism and I am deeply committed to this role. I will create a commission that is forthright in challenging extremism in the name of our shared values, fundamental freedoms and human rights. “To those in our country who recognise the harm and threat extremism continues to pose in our society, I am eager to collaborate and engage; I extend my hand out to you to work with me in supporting the commission’s work in building a Britain that defends our diverse country while demonstrating zero tolerance to those who promote hate and who seek to divide us.” Home Secretary Amber Rudd, said: “The Commission for Countering Extremism will form a crucial part of this government’s work to stop the scourge of extremism in all its forms and Sara Khan is expertly qualified to lead its important work. She will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the commission which will prove vital as it works to identify and challenge extremism and provide independent advice to the government. “Last century we challenged racism by uniting civil society and the state. We have the same ambition to confront extremism. This government will not stand by and allow the menace of extremism to undermine the fundamental, pluralistic values which underpin our society.”