Ministers have unveiled a new extremism definition under which certain groups will be blocked from government funding and meeting officials.

It will apply to, but not criminalize, groups that promote an ideology based on “violence, hatred or intolerance”. This move comes in response to a surge in extremism following the Israel-Gaza conflict, with Communities Secretary Michael Gove highlighting the real risk it poses to the UK’s stability and security.

Civil liberties advocates, community groups, and MPs have expressed concerns over the government’s approach to combating extremism, criticizing the rhetoric used in recent statements. Zara Mohammed, head of the Muslim Council of Britain, warned that the new definition could unfairly target Muslim communities, while the government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall, cautioned that the policy might harm the UK’s democratic standing.

The government plans to release a list of targeted extremist groups, with a focus on Islamists and neo-Nazis. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has emphasized the need to address internal threats that aim to divide the nation and undermine democratic values, particularly in light of recent protests linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Under the revised definition, extremism is now defined as the promotion of an ideology based on violence, hatred, or intolerance that aims to negate fundamental rights, undermine the UK’s democratic system, or create an environment conducive to such actions. The government asserts that the new definition is more succinct and will aid in identifying and addressing extremist behaviors effectively.