Sunak Highlights the Dangers of Extremism in Address at Downing Street

Rishi Sunak cautioned against the spread of extremism amid tensions surrounding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

In a rare address at Downing Street, the prime minister pledged to take stronger action against extremism and emphasized the importance of communities “living together” rather than leading separate lives.

Sunak expressed concern that Britain, a nation with a rich history and promising future, is being purposely undermined.

“There are internal forces attempting to divide us,” the prime minister stated.

“Since Oct. 7, there have been individuals seeking to exploit the genuine human anguish caused by the suffering of innocents, particularly women and children, to promote a divisive, hateful ideology,” he remarked.

Sunak highlighted that the UK’s streets have been influenced by small groups opposed to the nation’s values and democracy.

He condemned both “Islamist extremists and the far right,” referring to them as “two sides of the same extremist coin” that fuel each other.

These extremist factions are spreading a dangerous ideology that must not be allowed to erode the nation’s optimism and unity, according to the prime minister.

Sunak rebutted accusations of racism in the UK, underscoring his position as the first non-white Hindu prime minister leading the most diverse government in the country’s history.

Sunak: Police Expected to Police Protests

The prime minister, who previously criticized pro-Palestinian demonstrators for their actions on Armistice Day, censured anti-Israel protesters participating in regular marches and reiterated the need for stricter policing.

“This week, I met with senior police officials and made it clear that the public expects them not only to manage these protests but also to police them,” Sunak stated, pledging government support for police action.

He announced the implementation of a new comprehensive framework this month, along with increased backing for the “Prevent” program, requirements for universities to curb extremist activities, and restrictions on those aiming to undermine British values from entering the country.

On Wednesday, the government released a policy document on managing protests, stating that demonstrations at politicians’ residences should be considered intimidatory and protests at their offices should not disrupt their work or cause distress.

In his speech, Sunak also addressed the issue of protesters advocating for violent acts, supporting terrorist groups, or using criticisms of the Israeli government as a basis for anti-Semitism or the eradication of the state.

He stressed that displaying anti-Semitic messages, such as projecting them onto Big Ben, is unacceptable and urged moderate protesters to prevent extremists from dominating their demonstrations.

During a parliamentary debate on a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, messages projected onto the Elizabeth Tower included controversial statements that disputed the existence of Israel.

The Metropolitan police, which was criticized for not intervening in this incident, stated that it was not a criminal offense in this instance.

Demonstrators participate in the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests despite the prime minister’s call to reject extremism, with a recent protest targeting Barclays Bank.

Luca Salice, co-chair of the Camden Palestine Solidarity Campaign, dismissed Sunak’s claims that protests are frequently overtaken by extremists, stating that advocating for human lives is not extremist.

Police officials previously reported that stewardship during pro-Palestine marches had been positive, without any direct instances of suspected hate crimes within the demonstrations.

PA Media contributed to this report.