Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Extremism

Monday 8 June 2026 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions addressed growing extremism in the UK, including left, right, and Islamist ideologies.
  • The Government plans to publish an annual state of extremism report and prioritise social cohesion.
  • The Minister condemned antisemitic attacks and supported the police in cracking down on such activities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Damien Egan Lab Bristol North East
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security Foreign Affairs
Context

The issue of rising extremism in the UK is growing at an unprecedented rate, affecting both extreme left and right ideologies alongside Islamist extremism.

Question

Extremism in the UK is growing at an unprecedented rate. Extreme left and extreme right ideologies, alongside growing Islamist extremism, are being fuelled by increasingly brazen interference from foreign states. At a recent summit hosted by Wilton Park, I heard how countries such as Norway now treat extremism as a national security priority, linking it more to defence. Will the Minister consider establishing a proper mechanism so that we can designate domestic extremist groups? Will the Government commit to recognising extremism and social cohesion as a first-tier national security priority?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

The Government are delivering a fundamental reset of how we counter extremism, including publishing an annual state of extremism report. We also recognise countering extremism and enhancing social cohesion as a priority area in 'Protecting What Matters'. The police have various tools to address extremist activities, and we are fast-tracking the creation of a new state threats designation power that will further clamp down on individuals and groups carrying out hostile activity for foreign states.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to establishing a specific mechanism for designating domestic extremist groups as requested, nor was there a direct commitment to treating extremism and social cohesion as a first-tier national security priority.

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Q2 Damien Egan Lab Bristol North East
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security Foreign Affairs
Context

The issue of rising extremism in the UK is growing at an unprecedented rate, affecting both extreme left and right ideologies alongside Islamist extremism.

Question

Extremism in the UK is growing at an unprecedented rate. Extreme left and extreme right ideologies, alongside growing Islamist extremism, are being fuelled by increasingly brazen interference from foreign states. At a recent summit hosted by Wilton Park, I heard how countries such as Norway now treat extremism as a national security priority, linking it more to defence. Will the Minister consider establishing a proper mechanism so that we can designate domestic extremist groups? Will the Government commit to recognising extremism and social cohesion as a first-tier national security priority?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

The Government are delivering a fundamental reset of how we counter extremism, including publishing an annual state of extremism report. We also recognise countering extremism and enhancing social cohesion as a priority area in 'Protecting What Matters'. The police have various tools to address extremist activities, and we are fast-tracking the creation of a new state threats designation power that will further clamp down on individuals and groups carrying out hostile activity for foreign states.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to establishing a specific mechanism for designating domestic extremist groups as requested, nor was there a direct commitment to treating extremism and social cohesion as a first-tier national security priority.

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Q3 Oliver Dowden Con Hertsmere
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

Footage showed Helen Mirren being called a “Zionist bitch” during an attack, highlighting extremist intimidation against public figures supporting Israel or defending the Jewish community. Despite Helen Mirren's decision not to press charges, this incident exemplifies the broader issue of antisemitic attacks.

Question

I am sure the Minister will have seen footage of a recent attack on Helen Mirren where she was described as a “Zionist bitch”. This is just another example of deliberate extremist intimidation aimed at frightening off anyone from supporting Israel or defending Jews. While Helen Mirren decided not to press charges, does the Minister agree that such assaults should be treated with utmost seriousness?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

The right hon. Gentleman has raised an important point. I have seen the footage, was shocked but not surprised by it. The police must crack down on such activity. We will do everything we can to stand against abhorrent antisemitic attacks.

Partly answered

How: Like All Members, I Was Shocked But Not Surprised

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Q4 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Community Security Democracy & Elections
Context

The Jewish community has faced numerous antisemitic attacks, including recent electoral threats against candidates like Kate Hollern who was threatened with beheading. Concerns have also risen about convicted terrorists standing for elections.

Question

We have seen the devastating impact of extremism on our country, with the Jewish community experiencing disgraceful attacks. Does the Minister share my concern about election threats such as those faced by Kate Hollern? More recently, we have seen convicted terrorists stand for election. What will the Minister do to prevent that?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

The shadow Minister raised abhorrent issues. The defending democracy taskforce is looking carefully at these concerns. We are considering further action and I am happy to work with him on it.

Partly answered

How: We Are Considering Further Action

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