Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has promised to crack down on people who “spread harmful and hateful views” and launch a new approach to tackling extremism.
The Home Office has commissioned a “fast-track” to advance a new practical approach to tackling extremism.
The aim of the project is to provide analyses and recommendations on “combating the threat posed by extremist ideologies”.
It will form the basis for a new government strategy to counter extremism to respond to increasing and changing patterns across the UK.
The government said the program would cover the entire ideological spectrum and address “gaps in the current system” that expose the country to hateful activities that promote violence or undermine democracy.
Following the riots that broke out across England following the knife attack on three girls in Southport, a total of 460 people appeared before the magistrates’ courts in connection with the riots by the end of Thursday.
At least 72 people under the age of 18 are said to have been charged.
Several people were also charged with publishing material that contributed to the unrest, such as publishing written materials inciting racial hatred or spreading grossly offensive messages.
Ms Cooper said: “For far too long, governments have failed to tackle the rise of extremism online and on our streets, and we have seen the number of young people becoming radicalised online increase.
“Hateful incitement of all kinds tears and frays the fabric of our communities and our democracy.
“Measures against extremism have been severely undermined in recent years, precisely when they were most needed.
“That is why I have instructed the Home Office to undertake a rapid analysis sprint on extremism to map and monitor extremist trends, understand the evidence on what works to disrupt and dissuade people from extremist views, and identify any gaps in existing policy that need to be filled to tackle those who propagate harmful and hateful beliefs and violence.
“This work will form the basis of a new strategic approach for the government to counter extremism, working closely with communities to build consensus and momentum for our plans.”
The Home Secretary had criticised the previous government for not having a strategy to combat extremism since 2015 and said the lack of a comprehensive approach or practical plans had reduced the safety of communities.
The new strategy is intended to help the government keep its election promise and prevent people from becoming infected by hateful ideologies.
The Home Office said it would monitor the rise of Islamist and far-right extremism in the UK, as well as wider ideological trends, including extreme misogyny or beliefs that fit into broader categories such as a fixation on violence.
In addition, the causes and behaviours of young people’s radicalisation are examined, including the spread of dangerous content on the Internet.
