Thank you for contacting me about the far-right.
I am completely clear that we should not allow those with extreme views to divide our nation. The British spirit and sense of unity, community, inclusivity and compassion will, in my view, always prevail. However, we must never let up in our defence of the values we hold dear.
I can reassure you that the Government takes the threat posed by the far-right very seriously. Indeed, it is concerning that far-right terrorism is the fastest growing threat to this country. As a result, the Home Office is working closely with law enforcement and other relevant bodies nationally to monitor far-right activity. This cooperation is vital to ensure local enforcement and providers are joined up and have an effective plan in place to tackle incidents.
The Government has taken action to proscribe organisations that recruit, radicalise, promote and encourage terrorism, as well as those that actually commit acts of violence against innocent people. Their simple aim is to undermine our democracy. The effect of proscription is to outlaw a listed organisation and ensure that it is unable to operate in our communities. It is a criminal offence for a person to belong to, support or arrange a meeting in support of a proscribed organisation, or to wear clothing or carry articles in public that arouse reasonable suspicion that they are a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation.