The UK government will treat extreme misogyny as a form of extremism under new plans announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
This move comes in response to a growing concern about the rise of harmful ideologies that threaten the safety and cohesion of communities across the country.
Cooper has called for a comprehensive review of the UK’s counter-extremism strategy to analyze and address the threats posed by various extremist ideologies, with an emphasis on the escalating hatred of women.
“There has been a rise in extremism both online and on our streets that frays the very fabric of our communities and our democracy,” she stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The review will examine not only misogyny but also the rise of Islamist and far-right extremism in the UK, alongside a deeper look at the causes of radicalization among young people.
By mapping and monitoring extremist trends, the government aims to identify gaps in current policies that allow harmful beliefs and violence to proliferate.
“We need to disrupt and divert individuals from harmful ideologies,” Cooper emphasized, highlighting the need for effective measures to counter the influence of such beliefs. Her remarks signal a recognition that the previous approach to combating extremism had grown insufficient, as she noted that actions against extremism were “badly hollowed out” in recent years.
This initiative is part of a broader set of policy reviews announced by the Labour government since taking power in July, which includes the Strategic Defence Review and a reassessment of the National Curriculum. The forthcoming counter-extremism strategy is expected to be completed by October, responding to “growing and changing patterns” of extremism in contemporary society.
Concerns surrounding misogyny and its online manifestations are not new. The government has previously grappled with issues surrounding “Incel culture,” a disturbing online movement characterized by young men who blame women for their social failures. The tragic mass shooting in Plymouth in 2021 by Jake Davison, who was reportedly influenced by Incel ideology, renewed calls for action against such extremist views.
The rise of social media influencers like Andrew Tate, who propagate misogynistic narratives, has further intensified the debate around the need for robust measures to counteract these harmful ideologies. Critics may view these reviews as mere substitutes for decisive action, yet Labour officials assert that an updated Counter Extremism Strategy is long overdue, given the absence of a new approach since 2015.
As the review unfolds, many will be watching closely for tangible actions that will effectively address and mitigate the challenges posed by extreme misogyny and other forms of extremism in the UK.
Keywords: Yvette Cooper, extreme misogyny, extremism, counter-extremism strategy, United Kingdom, Incel culture, radicalization, Andrew Tate.
