In a significant step to bolster national security, the UK government has announced tightened measures to prevent terrorists and extremists from entering the country. The move reflects growing concern over extremist behaviour and recent global events, particularly the October 7 attacks in Israel, that have highlighted how easily extremist narratives can spread.
The government is introducing a sharper, more precise definition of “extremism” that focuses strictly on promoting ideologies rooted in violence, hatred, or intolerance, especially those that aim to undermine democratic rights, dismantle freedoms, or create allow space for others to do so. This refined definition is meant to ensure that extremist individuals or groups are no longer able to exploit existing gaps in the system to gain legitimacy or funding through government channels. While this isn’t a change to the law itself, it reshapes how government departments operate, anything falling under the updated definition can now be blocked from receiving official recognition, public funds, or appointments.
As part of this renewed effort, officials will follow newly introduced engagement principles designed to stop the government from accidentally legitimising extremist ideologies. These standards will apply when decisions are being made about interactions, funding and appointments, for instance, whether a person or group can receive a public honour or grant.
To oversee this more vigilant approach, a new Centre of Excellence within the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will coordinate across government departments, apply the definition consistently, and conduct strategic assessments. The centre will collaborate with academic experts and the Commission for Countering Extremism to ensure effective oversight and informed decision‑making.
Michael Gove emphasized that this is not an attempt to‘censor unpopular viewpoints but a necessary update in an increasingly fractured and volatile geopolitical climate. Extremists, whether violent Islamist factions or extremist right-wing individuals, “This is the new battlefield,” he said, “and we will not allow them to cloak themselves in government legitimacy.”
Critics and civil society experts, including Lord Walney, have welcomed the update, noting that it addresses the real threats posed not only by violent actors but also by ideologues who seek to erode democratic foundations. The stricter measures are designed to strike a balance, safeguarding free speech while ensuring that extremist beliefs rooted in hatred and violence gain no official foothold or support.
