UK govt to classify extreme misogyny as form of extremism, home secretary announces

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed alarm over the growing presence of extremism in the UK, both online and offline, which she cautioned is threatening the foundations of communities and democratic values.

A comprehensive review will be conducted to investigate various extremist ideologies, including Islamist and far-right groups, as well as newer trends like extreme misogyny, according to the BBC.

The review will delve into the root causes and mechanisms of radicalisation among young individuals, enabling us to develop a comprehensive strategy that ‘tracks and tackles extremist trends’ and prevents the proliferation of toxic ideologies.

Furthermore, “we will ‘pinpoint policy gaps’ that require attention to effectively counter those who espouse ‘hateful and harmful beliefs and violence.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper lamented that efforts to combat extremism have been severely weakened in recent years. The findings from this review will shape a revamped counter-extremism strategy, fulfilling a key pledge in Labour’s manifesto.

This refreshed approach will adapt to the evolving landscape of extremism in the UK, addressing its shifting patterns and growing threats.

The exact timeline for the expedited review remains uncertain, but it is part of a series of comprehensive policy evaluations launched by the Labour government since taking office in July.

These reviews encompass key areas such as defense, budget allocation, and education.

Although some critics may view these assessments as a delay tactic, Labour maintains that a thorough reevaluation of evolving threats is necessary, given that the previous Counter Extremism Strategy dates back to 2015.

The government has previously explored the connection between misogyny and extremism, particularly in relation to the “Incel” movement, an online community of mostly young men who identify as “involuntarily celibate” and harbor resentment towards women and “alpha males”, whom they hold responsible for their perceived injustices, as reported by the BBC.

The 2021 Plymouth massacre, in which Jake Davison, a 22-year-old adherent of Incel ideology, killed five individuals before ending his own life, highlighted the dangers of this mindset.

While no concrete policy measures were implemented in the aftermath, the combination of such incidents and the growing influence of misogynistic online personalities like Andrew Tate may have spurred the current government to adopt a more assertive stance against extremism.

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