Government Split Opens Over New Extremism Definition

A split has opened in Government as ministers are concerned a new definition of "extremism" drafted by communities secretary Michael Gove could have unforeseen consequences for campaigning around conservative beliefs and unpopular causes.

Gove is expected to unveil a “precise” definition of extremism on Thursday to cut off funding and a formal relationship with fringe groups.

“Gove is always an outlier and hardline, and this [the guidance], I assume... is another iteration of this ongoing tension,” one senior minister told PoliticsHome.

PoliticsHome understands there are fears among ministers the new guidance could have been weaponised against campaigns which have been supported in the past and present by Tory MPs including Brexit, lockdown measures and gender-critical feminism. 

The Government has emphasised such views would not be included within the new definition. PoliticsHome understands the new wording refers to those trying to “undermine democracy”, which a government source said would not pull in MPs or those campaigning for such causes.

However, news of a split among ministers follows a number of senior politicians, Tory backbenchers and activist groups raising the alarm in recent weeks that the new definition could be too broad. 

Former home secretaries Priti Patel, Sajid Javid and Amber Rudd claimed in the Guardian “no political party” should use this issue to “seek short-term tactical advantage.”

They all urged both main political parties to “work together to build a shared understanding of extremism” and a strategy which can stand the test of time.

Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates, who co-chair the New Conservatives, a right-wing pressure group in the parliamentary party, have also both raised concerns over the British