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Queen to announce major crackdown on extremism in UK, Times of Israel, Stuart Winer, May 15, 2016

(Would opposing the Islamisation of Britain and favoring Brexit constitute “extremism” under the legislation? — DM)

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she speaks to British Prime Minister David Cameron, right, during a reception in Buckingham Palace in London, May 10, 2016. (AFP/PAUL HACKETT)

In an upcoming annual speech to parliament, the queen of England is expected to announce a major UK government crackdown on extremism, including measures to deny extremists access to vulnerable groups such as children and students.

Her Majesty’s Most Gracious Speech, known informally as the Queen’s Speech, will include references to the new Counter-Extremism Bill, which the British government has touted as a major step in the effort to defeat extremism in the country, The Telegraph reported Saturday.

Among the measures envisioned in the bill is banning hate speakers from working with children through a vetting process similar to safeguards against sex offenders.

The national criminal records checking service is to be updated to list those with a terror conviction or clear connection to extremism, enabling education officials, municipal councils and other employers to screen potential employees.

Officials hope to stop radicals from spreading extremist ideology in schools, colleges, and other institutes where they could influence young or vulnerable people and talk them into committing acts of violence.

British Prime Minister David Cameron leaves 10 Downing Street in central London, May 4, 2016. (AFP/JUSTIN TALLIS)

Under the terms of the new bill, those convicted of extremism or who have strong links to extremism would be required to register with the government-run Disclosure and Barring Service — similar to existing rules for sex offenders.

Proposed laws would also give authorities the ability to ban organizations that promote hate or extremist action, and to close down mosques, Islamic educational institutes, and other places that repeatedly promote extremist activities.

Continuing a tradition that goes back to the 16th century, the queen is scheduled to deliver her speech as part of the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday. The address, which is written by the government cabinet, presents the legislative plans for the coming session of parliament.

Last year Prime Minister David Cameron announced the plan, saying: “We know that extremism is really a symptom; ideology is the root cause – but the stakes are rising and that demands a new approach. A key part of this new approach is going further to protect children and vulnerable people from the risk of radicalization by empowering parents and public institutions with all the advice, tools and practical support they need.”

The bill has been held up, among other things, over the difficulty in finding a legally sound definition of extremism, the report said.

A definition of “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values” was deemed indefensible in court.

This entry was posted on May 15, 2016 at 6:19 PM and is filed under Britain, Extremism. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments.

Tags: Britain, Extremism