The British government wants to define extremism. Critics say it risks creating more division

By SYLVIA HUI and JILL LAWLESS
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — The British government has published a new official definition of “extremism.” Groups that get the label will be barred from receiving government funding. The move is in response to a surge in reports of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate speech and what authorities call an increase in radicalization in Britain since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which triggered the war and Israel’s invasion of Gaza. Critics say branding nonviolent groups as extremist could undermine freedom of speech and risk unfairly targeting some people, such as Muslims. The government defines extremism as “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that aims to destroy others’ rights and freedoms or undermine Britain’s democratic system.