New UK Definition of Extremism: Is It Fit For Purpose?

This article examines the UK’s current definition of extremism that was introduced to Parliament in March 2024, assessing if it is fit for purpose. Beginning with, a comparison with the 2013 definition, terms within the new definition are examined. In the UK no legislation has been introduced relating to extremism and as a result there is no law-based definition. The definitions discussed are from government policies, but they are still important as the current definition guides practitioners working in this area such as those involved in the Prevent strategy or even the courts where it is being determined if a defendant in a terrorism criminal case has been imbued with an extremist ideology. After examining terms used in the current definition that appears to widen the definition thereby bringing in groups and ideology that one would not normally associate with extremism, the article examines four extremist ideologies that pose a direct threat and recommends the definition be revisited using these four groups as the foundation in defining extremism.

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