Yesterday in Parliament, the Tories discussed plans to expand the legal definition of ‘extremism’, and to give the controversial Prevent unit more powers to combat those who seek to “overthrow liberal, democratic principles” .
Many are concerned, for good reason, that this is merely a cynical excuse – a convenient tool – for the Conservatives to repress those who threaten the interests that they defend.
In their announcement in the House of Commons yesterday, the Tories name-dropped reactionary organisations like Patriot Alternative as potential targets for these new measures.
But it is clear that the expanded definition of ‘extremism’ is really aimed at criminalising dissent against the British state and the capitalist system it protects, at a time when millions are out on the streets protesting the establishment’s complicity in the genocide in Gaza.
In particular, the Tories have singled out the danger of ‘Islamism’ – a dog whistle attempt to stir up suspicion of Muslim workers and youth, who are rightfully angry at the imperialist slaughter in the Middle East.
Discussing these latest moves, Michael Gove said that this push was targeted at “those who threaten liberal democracy” and “British values”. But what is this “democracy” he speaks of? In reality, it is democracy for the ruling class only.
Under capitalism, “democracy” is really a dictatorship of the bankers and billionaires, who use their wealth, power, and connections to influence elections and pressure political parties; to bribe officials and lobby politicians – all in the pursuit of profit.
‘Our’ government is attacking the working class at home. And it is murdering the masses abroad, if they dare get in the way of their imperial aims. Some “democracy” indeed!
No wonder these rotten politicians fear an uprising against them and their system.
Sam, Northamptonshire Communists
Prevent, ‘extremism’, and communism
Support for communism and socialism were recently added to the Prevent list of warning signs. This comes as no surprise. The capitalists are clearly terrified of the growing radicalisation amongst the youth.
This is not a new phenomenon. In 2020, the Tories banned anti-capitalist material from the curriculum. And in the 1970s, the police spied on anti-fascist student groups in schools.
It is telling that the British ruling class sees more danger in young people organising against the far right than the far right itself.
Prevent is hailed as a programme to stop terrorism and safeguard children. In reality, it is a tool to stir up Islamophobia and xenophobia, and to intimidate and keep tabs on those involved in movements that threaten the status quo.
In a system where scandal-ridden MPs, royals, and police officers have been actively protected by the state, politicians’ hypocrisy over Prevent is clear.
The Tories accuse us, the communists, of being ‘extremists’. Yet 14.4 million people in the UK live in poverty. Up to 500 people die per week due to underfunding in the NHS.
Over 30,000 Gazans have been killed since 7 October. Meanwhile, the super-rich get richer, and the rest of us get poorer. Isn’t this the real ‘extremism’?
Ben Berry, Chelmsford Communists
Tories’ false accusations against Palestine solidarity
Following another disgusting attack on Palestine solidarity, Tory minister Michelle Donelan was recently forced to retract false allegations against two academic researchers accused of ‘supporting Hamas and extremism’.
Donelan acted on the basis of a press release from Policy Exchange, a right-wing think-tank, which equated the academics’ concern about the British state’s clampdown on Palestinian solidarity with supporting terrorism. After jeopardising the careers and reputation of these researchers, Donelan escaped by paying them damages with taxpayers’ money.
In a similar tragi-comic episode, Tory baroness Jacqueline Foster was forced to apologise and pay damages to a Muslim student at Oxford University, after accusing her of antisemitism. This smear was levelled after the student and her team chose the ‘antisemitic symbol’ of an octopus plush mascot on a TV quiz show!
For months, these shameless attacks have been churned out by the Tories and their press, in an effort to slander the Palestine solidarity movement. They represent yet another desperate attempt to discredit protestors, and to deflect the volcanic anger against the British establishment and its complicity in Israel’s genocide.
To combat their lies, we need a revolutionary press. That is what we are building with The Communist.
Bogdan Farcas
