PM gives speech saying extremist groups are a growing threat to British democracy
It’s notable that, when speaking in very general terms, Sunak explicitly calls out both “Islamists” and the “far-right” as extremist threats to the UK – indicating he perhaps wants to calm tensions across the board.
But, when he picks out specific examples of behaviour he feels are unacceptable, he focuses solely on pro-Palestine demonstrations. He has said:
I respect that the police have a tough job in policing the protests we have seen and that they are operationally independent. But we must draw a line.
Yes, you can march and protest with passion. You can demand the protection of civilian life. But no, you cannot call for violent jihad. There is no context in which it can be acceptable to beam antisemitic tropes on to Big Ben in the middle of a vote on Israel, Gaza. And there can be no cause that you can use to justify the support of a prescribed terrorist group like Hamas.
Britain is a patriotic liberal democratic society with a proud past and a bright future. We’re a reasonable country and a decent people. Our story is one of progress of great achievements and enduring values.
Immigrants who have come here have integrated and contributed. They have helped write the latest chapter in our island story. They have done this without being required to give up their identity.
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