"we have seen a shocking increase in extremist disruption"
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has warned that “our democracy itself is a target” for extremists and “there are forces here at home trying to tear us apart”.
A press conference outside Downing Street had been hastily arranged.
The PM made the comments after George Galloway’s victory in the Rochdale by-election.
Mr Sunak spoke about the tolerance of the “pluralist, modern” country he said the UK is.
But he stated that this is under threat looking to capitalise on Hamas’ attacks on Israel, and the resulting assault on Gaza, to undermine British values.
He named Islamist extremists and the far-right, calling them “two sides of the same extremist coin”.
Calling Galloway’s victory “beyond alarming”, Mr Sunak said:
“In recent weeks and months, we have seen a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality.
“What started as protests on our streets have descended into intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence.
“Jewish children fearful to wear their school uniform lest it reveals their identity. Muslim women abused in the street for the actions of a terrorist group they have no connection with.
“Now, our democracy itself is a target. Council meetings and local events have been stormed. MPs do not feel safe in their homes.
“Longstanding parliamentary conventions have been upended because of safety concerns.
“And it’s beyond alarming that last night, the Rochdale by-election returned a candidate that dismisses the horror of what happened on 7 October, who glorifies Hezbollah and is endorsed by Nick Griffin, the racist former leader of the BNP.
“I respect that the police have a tough job in policing the protests we have seen and that they are operationally independent. But we must draw a line.
“Yes, you can march and protest with passion. You can demand the protection of civilian life. But no, you cannot call for violent jihad.
“There is no context in which it can be acceptable to beam antisemitic tropes onto Big Ben in the middle of a vote on Israel, Gaza.”
“And there can be no cause that you can use to justify the support of a prescribed terrorist group like Hamas.
“And yes, you can freely criticise the actions of this government – or, indeed, any government – that is a fundamental democratic right.
“But no, you cannot use that as an excuse to call for the eradication of a state or any kind of hatred, or antisemitism.
“This week, I’ve met with senior police officers and made clear it is the public’s expectation that they will not merely manage these protests, but police them.
“I say this to the police. We will back you when you take action.
Earlier in the week, Rishi Sunak claimed the UK was descending into “mob rule” as he warned police must take urgent action or risk losing public confidence.
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