Political Fix

Who’s an extremist in the UK?

Mar 15, 2024

The podcast explores the UK's new extremism definition and its impact on free speech. They discuss the controversy around racist comments by a top Tory donor affecting Rishi Sunak's leadership. Also, Labour's plans post-Brexit and proposals to improve government efficiency are highlighted. The episode delves into party funding dynamics and the challenges of addressing racism in politics.

37:07

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Quick takeaways

New extremism definition in the UK raises concerns about free speech and legitimate organizations.

Complexity of extremism definition sparks debates over cultural issues and reshaping governance dynamics.

Labour proposes a security pact with the EU to rebuild relations post-Brexit and enhance collaborations.

Deep dives

The Government's New Definition of Extremism

The government has introduced a new definition of extremism aiming to identify and restrict groups considered too extreme to engage with. Communities Secretary Michael Gove highlighted the importance of avoiding past mistakes by supporting organizations promoting hate ideologies. The definition targets those supporting violent ideologies undermining fundamental rights of the United Kingdom as a liberal democracy. This move reflects ongoing concerns about addressing threats and influences perpetuating extremist actions.

Introduction

2min

Redefining Extremism in the UK

11min

Analysis of Political Responses to Racist Remarks and Leadership Negligence

2min

Navigating Political Reactions and Party Funding

4min

Labour's Strategy for EU Relations Post-Brexit

5min

Restructuring the Cabinet Office for Improved Government Efficiency

13min

Political Implications and Reinstatement of the Whip

3min

The UK government is redefining extremism. But there are warnings that the new guidance could curb free speech and ensnare legitimate organisations. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Robert Shrimsley and Stephen Bush to discuss the pushback from multiple Tory factions and Labour. They also dissect the row over racist comments allegedly made by the Conservatives’ biggest donor, and how it has prompted questions about Rishi Sunak’s leadership. Plus, Hannah White from the Institute for Government joins the panel, outlining a new plan designed to make it easier for future prime ministers to get things done.

Clip: BBC

Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Stephen Bush @stephenkb

Want more? Free links:

The delicate balance in policing extremism

Conservatives’ biggest donor embroiled in alleged racism dispute

Why Sunak’s latest blunder troubles MPs

How Labour would roll back the frontiers of Brexit

Former UK prime ministers call for reform of the ‘centre’ of government

Power with purpose: Final report of the Commission on the Centre of Government

Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award.

Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Political Fix

Who’s an extremist in the UK?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Government's New Definition of Extremism

Challenges and Controversies Surrounding the Extremism Definition

Tory Party Donor Controversy

Labour's Strategic Approach Towards the EU

Institute for Government's Proposals for Government Restructuring

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AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
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Discover
highlights

Political Fix

Who’s an extremist in the UK?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Government's New Definition of Extremism

Challenges and Controversies Surrounding the Extremism Definition

Tory Party Donor Controversy

Labour's Strategic Approach Towards the EU

Institute for Government's Proposals for Government Restructuring

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

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Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
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highlights

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moment

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