Committees

Combatting New Forms of Extremism

Inquiry

This inquiry will examine the drivers of extremism in the UK, with a focus on emerging trends of young people being drawn into extremism, violence and crime through online radicalisation. It will assess whether the Government’s approach is keeping pace with the evolving threat and evaluate the effectiveness of measures such as Prevent in combatting new forms of extremism.

The Government’s definition of extremism, updated in March 2024, describes it as “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to (1) negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; (2) undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).”

Extremism poses a significant threat to community safety and national security. While not all those with extremist beliefs commit violence, they can result in radicalisation, denial of rights and opportunities, suppression of freedom of expression, incitement of hatred, erosion of democratic institutions, and acts of terrorism. The inquiry will examine how different parts of government and different policies are addressing these complex and inter-related dangers.  

Safeguarding and support

We understand that the issues raised in this inquiry may be sensitive or upsetting. In addition to contacting your G.P the following organisations may be able to offer support or further information:  

Mind– Mental health charity providing a wide range of support, advice and information 

Childline– Offer free confidential service for children and young people under 19 for help "with any issue they're going through". 

NSPCC- The NSPCC helpline is staffed by trained professionals who can provide advice and support if you have concerns about a child. 

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was 11:59pm on 18 June 2025.

Upcoming events

View all events

No upcoming events scheduled

Past events

Tuesday 20 January 2026
2:00pm Private
2:30pm Public
Combatting New Forms of Extremism - Oral evidence 20 January 2026
2:30pm
  • Dame Sara Khan DBE (Former at Counter Extremism Commissioner 2018-2021, and Former at Independent Adviser for Social Cohesion and Resilience for the UK Government 2021-2024)
3:30pm
  • Dan Jarvis MBE MP (Minister for Security at Home Office)
  • Jonathan Emmett (Director, Counter-Terrorism Directorate at Home Office)
The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
Tuesday 25 November 2025
2:00pm Private
2:30pm Public
Combatting New Forms of Extremism - Oral evidence 25 November 2025
2:30pm
  • Dr Jane Horton (Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, School of Law and Social Justice at University of Liverpool)
  • Leo Ratledge (Co-Director at Child Rights International Network (CRIN))
3:30pm
  • Kenny Bowie (Director for Strategy and MPS Oversight at Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime)
  • Councillor Sara Conway (Councillor at Joint Chair of the Local Government Association’s Special Interest Group on Countering Extremism)
  • Professor John Denham (Professor at University of Southampton and member of the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law's Independent Commission on UK Counter-Terrorism Law, Policy and Practice)
Room 15, Palace of Westminster
Tuesday 28 October 2025
1:30pm Private
2:00pm Public
Combatting New Forms of Extremism - Oral evidence 28 October 2025
2:00pm
  • Milo Comerford (Director of Policy and Research, Counter-Extremism at Institute for Strategic Dialogue)
  • Imran Ahmed (Chief Executive at Centre for Countering Digital Hate)
  • Adam Hadley CBE (Executive Director at Tech Against Terrorism)
3:00pm
  • Paul Giannasi OBE (Hate Crime Advisor at National Police Chiefs' Council)
  • Laurence Taylor (Assistant Commissioner at Metropolitan Police)
Room 6, Palace of Westminster
Tuesday 15 July 2025
1:45pm Private
2:30pm Public
Combatting New Forms of Extremism - Oral evidence 15 July 2025
2:30pm
  • Dr Joe Whittaker (Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Sociology, and Social Policy at Swansea University, and Director at Vox Pol Institute)
  • Dr Daniel Allington (Reader in Social Analytics at King's College London, Senior Associate Fellow, Counter Extremism Group Fellow at London Centre for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism, and Deputy Editor at Journal of Contemporary Antisemitism)
  • Professor Laura G. E. Smith (Professor of Psychology at Department of Psychology, University of Bath, and Director at Bath Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour)
3:30pm
  • Robin Simcox (Commissioner at Commission for Countering Extremism)
  • The Lord Anderson of Ipswich KBE KC
Room 15, Palace of Westminster

Contact us

We receive a significant number of emails each day. All requests and invitations are considered but we do not respond directly to everyone. Please be aware, the committee does not look at individual cases or specific complaints.