Editorial: The Guardian

• The new extremity definition by the government is non-statutory and does not threaten free speech, according to Michael Gove.
• The government has presented the new measure as both essential and substantial, but modest and restricted.
• The focus of the new extremism definition is geared towards ideas, not actions.
• Concern amassing around the broad wording of the new measure and its potential impact on free speech, and the right to peaceful protest.
• The conservatives are trying to position themselves as the upholding of fundamental values while offering a veneer of respectability to divisive and anti-democratic sentiments.
• Politicizing the extremism issue may fuel divisions instead of healing them.

Conclusion: The government's new extremism strategy appears to be more performative politics than effective governance. The emphasis on ideas rather than actions, and the potential undermining of free speech and the right to peaceful protest are worrisome. Politicizing the issue could foster further divisions and discord.

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