Theresa May set to declare the end of 'anything goes' approach to extremist views

THERESA May will today declare that the days of a liberal “anything goes” approach to extremist views are over.

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Home Secretary Theresa May will make a speech in London today

In a keynote speech about the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy, she will insist that living in a free democracy does not mean tolerating the promotion of sickening and violent ideologies for Islamists and other fanatics.

And she will call for the “proud promotion of British values” to be at the core of the drive against extremism and terrorism.

In a speech in London, she will say: “The starting point of the new strategy is the emphatic rejection of the misconception that in a liberal democracy like Britain, “anything goes”, the belief that living in a society like ours means there aren’t really any fundamental rules or norms.

"Instead, the foundation stone of our new strategy is the proud promotion of British values.

My invitation is clear – come and join that partnership

Theresa May

"These values – such as regard for the rule of law, participation in and acceptance of democracy, equality, free speech and respect for minorities – are supported by the overwhelming majority of British people.

"They are sustained by our most important local and national institutions.

"And they are the means by which we have made our multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society succeed.

"They are the values that unite us. They are what allow us all to enjoy our individual freedoms, to lead varied lives, to live in diverse communities and to do all of these things while still living peacefully, respectfully and harmoniously alongside one another."

Combatting extremism is not just the duty of the Government but also the responsibility of all citizens, she will say.

"Government cannot act alone. Individual people, families and whole communities need help and those of you fighting the extremists deserve our support," the Home Secretary will say.

"So my invitation is clear – come and join that partnership. If you join us, we will do everything we can to help you.

"We will help you to stand up to the extremists by denying them the opportunity to spread their messages of hate and division."

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