Extreme misogyny to be classed as terrorism under UK government's new plans

The UK government under its new plans to combat radicalisation will treat extreme misogyny as terrorism, according to multiple media reports.

The Labour government intends to tackle violence against women and girls in the same way as "Islamist and far-Right extremism". Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has ordered a review of the counter-terrorism strategy to address the issue as the current guidance might be too narrow in its outlook.

"For too long, governments have failed to address the rise in extremism, both online and on our streets, and we’ve seen the number of young people radicalised online grow. Hateful incitement of all kinds fractures and frays the very fabric of our communities and our democracy,” Cooper was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

“Action against extremism has been badly hollowed out in recent years, just when it should have been needed most," she added.

According to the Labour MP, the review would help "identify gaps" in the existing policy that need to be addressed to punish those using harmful and hateful beliefs.

“That work will underpin a new strategic approach to countering extremism from government, working closely with communities to build consensus and impetus for our plans.”

The review is expected to be completed later this fall and will be unveiled by the Home Office next year.

Increased violence against women and girls

The government's plans to dub misogyny on the same level as terrorism comes after areport by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) onviolence against women and girls (VAWG) stated it was a national emergency.

The report revealed that two million women in the UK are estimated to be victims if violence, perpetrated by men each year.

"We estimate that at least one in every 12 women will be a victim of VAWG every year (twomillion victims) and one in 20 adults in England and Wales will be a perpetrator of VAWG every year (2.3 million perpetrators). These are cautious estimates as we know much crime goes unreported and in policing we often only see the tip of the iceberg," the report noted.

The report and police chiefs also warned of young men being “radicalised” online by influencers such as Andrew Tate.

(With inputs from agencies)