In light of the Government's redefinition of extremisim, Andrew stood to reaffirm that what is essential to Britain are our historic liberties, free speech, and the rule of law. Today, Andrew urged The Rt Hon. Michael Gove M.P. to ensure that these values and traditions are upheld and protected.
This comes as the Government has redefined extremism as being:
"Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:
- negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
- undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
- intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).
The types of behaviour below are indicative of the kind of promotion or advancement which may be relevant to the definition, and are an important guide to its application. The further context below is also an essential part of the definition."
For a full account of what was said in the Chamber, this is the Hansard entry:
I commend the Government on what they are attempting to do to oppose and fight all forms of extremism and hatred in our country. Does the Secretary of State agree that what underpins Britain is our ancient liberties and freedoms, free speech and the rule of law, which uphold our democracy under the Crown? Does he believe, as I do, that we must defend all our British values and traditions? We must teach them in schools, and we must ensure that British values are the order of the day.
Andrew Rosindell M.P.
My hon. Friend makes a very important point. In our schools and other institutions, we should make sure that people from every background are acquainted with our history and taught the very British habits of scepticism, questioning and sometimes raucous expressions of opposition to Governments and others. That spirit of democratic challenge is core to this country, and no one better exemplifies being able to speak out without fear or favour than my hon. Friend.
The Rt Hon. Michael Gove M.P., Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations
