Connect with us

Published

on

Michael Gove has named five groups that will be re-assessed as a result of the government’s new definition of extremism.

Speaking in the Commons, the communities secretary said two far-right organisations – the British National Socialist Movement and the Patriotic Alternative – and three Islamist organisations – the Muslim Association of Britain, Cage and Mend – were groups “we should be concerned” about.

Follow live: Reaction as Gove gives extremism statement to MPs

Speaking after the government announced the new definition of extremism this morning, the minister said it was “critically important we do not unwittingly or through ignorance fund or support organisations who are themselves extremist” as it had been the case in the past that “extremist groups and actors have sought to present themselves as moderate voices representative of majority or mainstream opinion”.

Mr Gove also sought to reassure critics the plan was “in no way intending to restrict freedom of expression, religion or belief”, saying gender critical campaigners, trans activists, those with conservative religious views and environmental protest groups would not be included.

But, he added: “The government cannot be in a position where, unwittingly or not, we sponsor, subsidise or support in any way organisations or individuals opposed to the freedoms we hold dear.”

Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, agreed that “hateful extremism threatens the safety of our communities and the unity of our country,” and was “a serious problem which demands a serious response”.

More on Conservatives

But she criticised how long it had taken the government to act since their last definition was introduced in 2011, and said it was “deeply concerning” that extremists had already “benefited from government engagement, endorsement and support”.

Ms Rayner also raised concerns about how the announcement had been trailed, with leaks detailing organisations that could face reassessment after the definition came into force.

Mr Gove revealed an investigation into the leaks had been launched, saying it was “fundamentally a challenge to the effective operation of government”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Extremism redefinition will ‘risk more division’, say Muslim activists

The new definition described extremism as “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that aims to “negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others” or “undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights”.

It also includes those who “intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve” either of those aims.

The update came as part of a ministerial drive to clamp down on the Islamist and far-right extremism that has intensified in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

But some critics have raised concerns that it could have a “chilling effect” on free speech, while others say it doesn’t go far enough and there needs to be a change in the law to tackle extremism.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Labour’s Darren Jones: ‘We need more than a definition’

Mr Gove pointed to five specific groups that would come in for further scrutiny now the new definition is in place.

After warning the “activities of the extreme right-wing are a growing worry”, the minister said: “Across this House, I am sure that we would agree that organisations such as the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative, who promote neo-Nazi ideology, argue for forced repatriation, a white ethno state and the targeting of minority groups by intimidation, are precisely the type of groups about which we should be concerned and whose activities we will assess against the new definition.”

And after saying the religion of Islam should not be confused with the “totalitarian ideology” of Islamists, he added: “Organisations such as the Muslim Association of Britain, which is the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, and other groups such as Cage and Mend, give rise to concern for the Islamist orientation and views.

“We will be holding these and other organisations to account, to assess if they meet our definition of extremism and will take action as appropriate.”

Mr Gove confirmed there would be a new “centre of excellence” on counterterrorism created within the Home Office, promising it would become a “world-leading authority” on the issue.

Can new extremism definition strike the right balance?

The criticisms Michael Gove had going into the House of Commons were from civil liberty groups on one side worrying that democratic protest could be infringed, and on the other side MPs like Miriam Cates, who say free speech is at risk.

How this new definition strikes that balance is still unclear.

As expected, Mr Gove named some of the groups that now fall under the new definition – but there is no accompanying list of organisations published that the government have deemed extreme.

And that might be because it’s an extremely controversial and complex task.

The government knows that this week more than ever, with alleged comments from one of the biggest Conservative donors about former Labour MP Diane Abbott hanging over them.

The prime minister has been trying to work out whether those comments went too far and what to do with the donations.

Rishi Sunak had to make a judgement too last month on whether former Tory MP Lee Anderson’s comments about London mayor Sadiq Khan were Islamophobic or not.

Now the government is having to draw a line as to what is acceptable and not acceptable for potentially hundreds of organisations without any legal teeth.

It’s not clear he has the full support of his party either.

The minister added: “The liberties that we hold dear and indeed the democratic principles we are all sent here to uphold, requires us to counter and challenge the extremists who seek to intimidate, coerce and to divide.

“We have to be clear-eyed about the threat we face, precise about where that threat comes from and rigorous in defending our democracy.

“That means upholding freedom of expression, religion and belief when we are threatened, facing down harassment and hate, supporting the communities facing the greatest challenge from extremist activity and ensuring this House and this country are safe, free and united.”

The prime minister’s official spokesperson confirmed a full list of organisations covered by the government’s new extremism would be published “in the coming weeks”.

But Labour wants ministers to also update its full counter-extremism strategy and its action plan on hate crime.

Ms Rayner told MPs: “We need much stronger action to tackle the corrosive forms of hatred that devastate lives and corrode communities.

“But today’s statement does not go far enough. And regardless of how workable and effective this new definition and centre of excellence is, this announcement will not be enough.”

Tory MPs also voiced their concerns, with former immigration minister Robert Jenrick saying: “I fear that the definition, though well-intentioned, lands in no man’s land – not going far enough to tackle the real extremists, not doing enough to protect the non-extremists, those people who are simply expressing contrarian views who might find this definition used against them, not perhaps now, but possibly in the future.”

Fellow Conservative Sir Edward Leigh also said he was worried the definition was “going to add to the increasing culture, in what should be a free country, of the intolerance of the right to offend”.

Continue Reading

Politics

Arizona governor signs law for state to keep unclaimed crypto

Published

on

By

Arizona governor signs law for state to keep unclaimed crypto

Arizona governor signs law for state to keep unclaimed crypto

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed a bill into law allowing the US state to keep unclaimed crypto and establish a “Bitcoin Reserve Fund” that won’t use any taxpayer money or state funds.

Hobbs signed House Bill 2749 into law on May 7, which allows Arizona to claim ownership of abandoned digital assets if the owner fails to respond to communications within three years.

The state’s custodians can stake the crypto to earn rewards or receive airdrops, which can then be deposited into what Arizona has called a Bitcoin and Digital Asset Reserve Fund.

“This law ensures Arizona doesn’t leave value sitting on the table and puts us in a position to lead the country in how we secure, manage, and ultimately benefit from abandoned digital currency,” the bill’s sponsor, Jeff Weninger, said in a May 7 statement.

Arizona governor signs law for state to keep unclaimed crypto
Arizona House Representative Jeff Weninger’s statement on the signing of HB 2749 into law. Source: Jeff Weninger

“We’ve built a structure that protects property rights, respects ownership, and gives the state tools to account for a new category of value in the economy,” Weninger added.

On May 3, Hobbs vetoed a similar Bitcoin (BTC) reserve bill, Senate Bill 1025, which would have allowed the state to invest seized funds into Bitcoin, citing concerns over using public funds for “untested assets.”

Hobbs’ move gives hope for future crypto bills

Bitcoin Laws founder Julian Fahrer said on X that Hobbs’ signing of HB 2749 offers more hope that she may also sign Senate Bill 1373, which is currently on her desk.

Related: Bitcoin bros at ‘the club’ may stop US gov’t from buying BTC — Arthur Hayes

SB 1373 would authorize Arizona’s treasurer, currently Kimberly Yee, to allocate up to 10% of Arizona’s Budget Stabilization Fund into Bitcoin. 

The bill’s passage in Arizona follows New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte on May 6 signing House Bill 302 into law, allowing her state’s treasury to use funds to invest in cryptocurrencies with a market capitalization of more than $500 billion.

Bitcoin is currently the only cryptocurrency that meets that threshold.

Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, and now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

Continue Reading

Politics

Binance founder CZ asked Trump to pardon money laundering conviction

Published

on

By

Binance founder CZ asked Trump to pardon money laundering conviction

Binance founder CZ asked Trump to pardon money laundering conviction

Binance founder and convicted felon Changpeng Zhao says that he applied for a pardon from US President Donald Trump shortly after denying reports that he was seeking one.

Zhao, also known as CZ, said on a Farokh Radio podcast episode aired May 6 that he “wouldn’t mind” a pardon and that his lawyers have already filed the paperwork on his behalf

“I got lawyers applying,” Zhao said, adding that he submitted the request after Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal reported in March that he was seeking a pardon from Trump amid discussions of a business deal between the Trump family and Binance.US.

Zhao denied the reports at the time, but said on the podcast that he thought “if they’re writing this article, I may as well just officially apply.”

He added that Trump’s pardon of three BitMEX founders, including Arthur Hayes, also motivated him to submit an application.

Zhao said the application was submitted about two weeks ago.

Binance founder CZ asked Trump to pardon money laundering conviction
Changpeng Zhao (right) speaking with Farokh Sarmad (left). Source: Farokh Radio

Zhao said at the time of the Bloomberg and Wall Street Journal reports that “no felon would mind a pardon,” and claimed he is the only person in US history to serve prison time for a Bank Secrecy Act charge.

Zhao pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge in November 2023 as part of a deal Binance reached with US authorities, which saw it pay a $4.3 billion fine, to which Zhao contributed $50 million. He was also forced to step down as CEO.

Zhao was later sentenced to four months in prison and was prohibited from working at Binance as part of his plea deal.

Related: VanEck files for BNB ETF, first in US

According to the US Department of Justice, a pardon would not erase Zhao’s money laundering conviction; however, it could potentially allow him to assume a management or operational role at Binance.US.

Zhao has no plans to return as Binance CEO

While Zhao remains a Binance shareholder, he said in November at Binance Blockchain Week that he has “no plans to return to the CEO position.” 

“I feel the team is doing well and doesn’t need me back,” Zhao said.

Since leaving prison, Zhao has commenced advisory roles in Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, assisting on matters related to crypto regulation and implementing blockchain solutions.

Magazine: Bitcoiner Adam Back on Blockstream conspiracy theories and Satoshi question

Continue Reading

Politics

Starmer facing growing backbench rebellion over planned disability benefit cuts

Published

on

By

Starmer facing growing backbench rebellion over planned disability benefit cuts

A senior Labour MP has said the government needs to take “corrective action” over planned disability benefit cuts – as Sir Keir Starmer faces a growing backbench rebellion.

Tan Dhesi, chair of the influential Commons defence committee, told the Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge the “disappointing” local election results show the government must listen and learn, particularly over welfare reforms.

The government has proposed tightening the eligibility requirements for the personal independent payment, known as PIP.

Politics latest: Farage urged to suspend new Reform councillor

A claimant must score a minimum of four points on one PIP daily living activity, such as preparing food, washing and bathing, using the toilet or reading, to receive the daily living element of the benefit.

Mr Dhesi, the MP for Slough, said “corrective action” needs to be taken but insisted if the government changed tact, it would not be a U-turn as the disability cuts were only proposals.

Tan Dhesi said the government should take 'corrective action' over disability cuts
Image:
Tan Dhesi spoke to Sky’s Sophy Ridge

“A government which is in listening mode should be looking at what the electorate is saying,” he said.

“And we need to make sure that it’s our moral duty, responsibility, to look after the most vulnerable within our community, whether that’s in Slough, whether that’s elsewhere across the country.

“So, I hope that the government will be taking on board that feedback and many of us as MPs are giving that feedback in various meetings happening here in Westminster and then we need to take corrective action.”

Alex Davies-Jones said the government is just consulting on cutting benefits
Image:
Alex Davies-Jones said the government was seeking to ‘protect the vulnerable’

Minister Alex Davies-Jones told the Politics Hub a Labour government “will always seek to protect the most vulnerable” and it wants to “listen to people who have got real lived experience”.

She added she has the “utmost respect for Tan, he’s a great constituency MP and he’s doing exactly what he should be doing, is representing his constituency”.

Sir Keir is facing a rebellion from Labour MPs, with about 40 in the Red Wall – Labour’s traditional heartlands in the north of England – reposting a statement on social media in which they said the leadership’s response to the local elections had “fallen on deaf ears”.

Read more:
Starmer defends winter fuel cut

The choice facing Labour in face of Reform threat

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Starmer defends winter fuel cuts

Several backbench Labour MPs also spoke out against the plans during a debate on PIP and disabled people in parliament on Wednesday.

Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby, said he would “swim through vomit to vote against” the proposed changes and said: “This is not what the Labour Party was formed to do.”

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, said she feared tightening PIP eligibility would cause deaths, adding: “Lest we forget that study that attributed 330,000 excess deaths in Britain between 2012 and 2019 to the last round of austerity cuts [under the Conservative government].”

Diane Abbott, the longest-serving female MP, accused the government of putting forward “contradictory arguments”.

“On the one hand, they insist they are helping the disabled by putting them back to work,” she said.

“But on the other hand, they say this cut will save £9bn. Well, you can’t do both.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

‘I’ll struggle if I lose disability support’

However, fellow Labour MP David Pinto-Duschinsky, said MPs cannot “ignore this issue” of health-related benefit claimant figures rising at “twice the rate of underlying health conditions”.

Responding for the government, social security minister Sir Stephen Timms said PIP claims were set to “more than double, from two million to over 4.3 million this decade”.

“It would certainly not be in the interests of people currently claiming the benefits for the government to bury its head in the sand over that rate of increase,” he added.

Continue Reading

Trending