UK to consider extreme misogyny as form of extremism

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ordered a review of the UK’s counter-extremism strategy to determine the best ways to address threats from harmful ideologies.

The review will consider misogyny as one of the ideological trends that, according to the government, is gaining momentum.

Cooper stated that there is a rise in extremism both online and on our streets, which is undermining the very fabric of our communities and democracy.

The review will examine the growth of Islamist and far-right extremism in the UK, as well as broader ideological trends, including extreme misogyny. It will also explore the causes and manifestations of youth radicalization.

The minister noted that the strategy will track and map extremist trends to develop methods to counter their spread and divert people from them.

It will also "identify any gaps in existing policy which need to be addressed to crack down on those pushing harmful and hateful beliefs and violence", she said.

The review is expected to be completed by October. It is one of several policy reviews announced by Labour since taking office in July, including a strategic defense review, a spending review, and a review of the National Curriculum.

Recently in the UK, there have been mass anti-migrant protests by far-right groups, often accompanied by violence. The trigger for these demonstrations was the murder of three children in the English town of Southport.

A 17-year-old teenager of Ugandan descent has been detained in connection with the attack. The police reported that he was born in Cardiff, Wales, practiced Christianity, and had lived for years in a village about 5 kilometers from Southport.

False rumors circulated online claiming that the young man was a Muslim and an immigrant, which fueled anger among far-right supporters.