The prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, spoke out strongly against the growing instances of “extremism” in the country and issued a warning that although people are free to march and demonstrate in a “peaceful” manner, they are not permitted to incite violence or extremism.
In recent weeks and months, the UK Prime Minister stated that there has been a “shocking increase” in radical disruption and criminality. What began as street protests has turned into “intimidation, threats, and planned acts of violence.”
“Jewish children fearful to wear their school uniform lest it reveal their identity. Muslim women abused in the street for the actions of a terrorist group they have no connection with. Now our democracy itself is a target,” Sunak said in his address to the Nation from outside 10 Downing Street.
He agreed that people from all over the world had arrived and settled in the nation without sacrificing their individuality.
“You can be a practising Hindu and a proud Briton as I am. Or a devout Muslim and a patriotic citizen as so many are. Or a committed Jewish person and the heart of your local community…and all underpinned by the tolerance of our established, Christian church,” Sunak said.
“But I fear that our great achievement in building the world’s most successful multi-ethnic, multi faith democracy is being deliberately undermined,” he said.
Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, Sunak claimed, a number of organizations have attempted to use the conflict to further their own divisive, bigoted ideologies. Consequently, the streets of the United Kingdom were frequently “hijacked” by “hostile groups.”
“Islamist extremists and far rights groups are spreading a poison, that poison is extremism,” he stated.
He went on to say that although protesters and marchers have the right to demand the protection of civilian lives, they are not permitted to demand “violent Jihad”.
“I respect that the police have a tough job in policing the protests we have seen and that they are operationally independent. But we must draw a line. Yes, you can march and protest with passion…You can demand the protection of civilian life…but no, you cannot call for violent Jihad,” Sunak said.
Furthermore, he referenced the directive from Home Secretary James Cleverly stating that visa holders who “spew hate on protests or seek to intimidate people” will have their rights to remain in the UK removed.
“I want to speak directly to those who choose to continue to protest: Don’t let the extremists hijack your marches. You have a chance in the coming weeks to show that you can protest decently, peacefully and with empathy for your fellow citizens,” Sunak further said.