Michael Gove, Communities Secretary, has announced a new official definition of 'extremism' that aims to prevent funding to groups believed to undermine democracy.

The definition is a response to increased hate crimes following Hamas attacks on Israel, focusing on ideologies promoting violence, hatred, or intolerance, especially among far-right and Muslim-led groups.

The UK government plans to publish a list of extremist groups that will initially include three Muslim-led and two far-right organizations.

British Muslim organizations such as Mend and Cage, as well as religious leaders like the Archbishop of Canterbury and Imam Qari Asim, have expressed concerns over the new definition, suggesting it could lead to legal challenges.

Criticism from former home secretaries and religious figures centers on fears that the new policy might disproportionately target Muslim communities and impinge on fundamental rights such as free speech and civil liberties.

While the initiative is part of Gove's strategy to combat extremism and safeguard UK democracy, it has sparked debate about the balance between security and civil freedoms.