‘Extremism’ defined in more precise and focused manner
IN accordance with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s commitment to stamp out extremism and ensure safety and security for the UK and its citizens, an updated, more focused definition of extremism has been designed and new engagement principles published on March 14.
Since the October 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel, concerns have been raised about the wide-ranging risk of radicalisation, said a release from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The new, more precise definition of extremism will be used by Government departments and officials alongside a set of engagement principles, the statement added.
Democratic system
The new definition provides a stricter characterisation that Government can use to make sure that extremist organisations and individuals are not being legitimised or given a platform through their interactions with the Government.
This definition is not statutory and has no effect on the existing criminal law – it applies to the operations of Government itself.
The new definition is narrower and more precise than the 2011 definition, which didm’t provide the detail which is needed now to assess and identify extremism.
Alongside the new definition, the Government is also publishing a set of engagement principles.
Over 300 bank accounts of Khalistan supporters seized
THE United Kingdom has seized more than 300 bank accounts belonging to Khalistan supporters in a sweeping crackdown, said reports. The move signals a significant diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government of India. A staggering amount of Rs 100 crore has been confiscated, while another over 5,000 bank accounts are still being scrutinised, media reports added.
UK-India relations stood critically poised following the attack on the Indian High Commission in London by Khalistan supporters in March last year. PM Sunak had condemned the violence and asserted that extremism had “no place in the UK”.
Asylum status misused
In April, during the fifth India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue in New Delhi, the Indian delegation led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla conveyed concerns on the misuse of UK’s asylum status by pro-Khalistani elements to aid and abet terrorist activities in India.
The UK delegation with Permanent Secretary, Home Office, Sir Matthew Rycroft, at its head, was told of India’s concerns over the breach of security of the Indian High Commission.
Four months later, during a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, UK’s Security Minister Tom Tugendhat announced a £95,000 investment to enhance the UK’s capability to tackle pro-Khalistan extremism.
PREMIER PUSH
NEW DELHI: In a massive boost to ongoing India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India and Rishi Sunak of UK held a telephone conversation on March 12, where they assessed the recent progress made towards an early conclusion.
PM Modi later posted on social media X, “Had a good conversation with PM @RishiSunak. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and work for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement.”
During the conversation, they agreed on the importance of securing a historic and comprehensive deal that benefits both countries. PM Sunak reiterated the importance of reaching an ambitious outcome on goods and services.
