Extremism can be defined as either vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values. As we have discussed, these are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. 

 

Typically an extremist advocates illegal and / or violent action to achieve their political or religious aims.

 

Radicalisation is the process whereby a person comes to adopt extremist views.

 

Although an individual’s support for an extremist or terrorist cause is not always inevitable following their engagement with groups who hold radical views, there is a substantial danger that vulnerable individuals will go on to support such groups. It is at that stage that the mobilisation of thoughts and ideas into actions is likely to result in the person crossing the threshold into criminal activity.

 

Individuals who have been radicalised could commit criminal offences not  just by carrying out obvious terrorist acts but by also engaging in a wide range of activities that actively support the cause of terrorist groups. For example:

 

• Collecting money in support of groups

• Providing equipment or other resources

• Housing members of groups – even temporarily

• Distributing or passing on material e.g. leaflets promoting extremist actions etc.

• Agreeing to carry out actions that support the group. 

 

The following videos highlight different forms of extremism and portray a range of radical views that can be considered to be opposed to British values. Watch the videos and answer the given questions.

 

The first video depicts the far-right group, Britain First, parading down Brick Lane, a well-known culturally diverse London street that has a mosque located upon it.

 

The second video depicts interviews with members of the islamic extremist group, Al-Muhajiroun, a group that does not represent the views of most Muslims in the United Kingdom.