Government launches plan to build stronger communities

The government has launched an action plan to build stronger communities and stamp out extremism, hate and division.

Described as a 'rallying call for action', the plan includes the first steps towards a more connected, cohesive and resilient United Kingdom.

The government said that the announcement comes after decades of rapid change including technological advancements, demographic change, the increasing cost of living and the decline of vital public services - all of this putting a strain on social cohesion. 

The government also cited bad actors, including those from abroad, looking to stoke community tensions and promote toxic division and extremist ideology in our communities. 

The publication, Protecting What Matters, sets out expectations around what it means to live together and integrate into society.

Figures show that hate crime is rising, particularly against Jewish people and Muslims. 

Almost half of religious hate crimes are targeted towards the Muslim community. The government will adopt a non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility which makes it clear what is unacceptable prejudice, discrimination and hatred directed at Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim. A special representative on anti-Muslim hostility will also be appointed to support action to strengthen understanding, reporting and response.  

The government has also invested record funds to boost security and synagogues and Jewish schools and rolled out training on antisemitism in the workplace.

Furthermore, stronger powers have been introduced hut down charities promoting extremism, there will be new powers to stop hate preachers entering the UK and an annual State of Extremism report will be published.

The government has announced plans to strengthen the Charity Commission’s powers to close down charities that promote extremism. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has asked officials to work with the regulator to speed up the process for investigating charities suspected of engaging in extremist behaviour, including strengthening its powers to close them down if needed.

A new consultation will launch, which will look at plans to automatically ban individuals with a criminal conviction for hate crime from serving as charity trustees or senior managers. It will also consult on plans to strengthen the Commission’s powers to disqualify individuals where there is evidence they have promoted violence or hatred.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "Charities are the lifeblood of our communities, and we will not allow extremists to hijack their good name. 

"By giving the Charity Commission the teeth it needs to act fast and decisively, we will close the door on those who exploit charitable status to spread hate, and open a new chapter that gives the sector the protection it deserves.

"This is a vital step in our ongoing work of national renewal and a Britain built for all."

The government will set out new expectations around integration for people looking to settle in the UK, these will be focused on shared language, local participation and respect for shared values. In order to support this goal, the Government will look at how English is taught, and if new technology can help more people can speak the language confidently.  

£500,000 has been announced for community-led school linking projects which will bring children from different backgrounds together. There will also be tougher oversight of home education – including the first-ever mandatory register of children not in school.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed said: "Today, through the publication of Protecting What Matters, we set out the first steps towards a more confident, cohesive, and resilient United Kingdom. This plan is what patriotism means to this government. We choose to celebrate our national successes and historic achievements, we choose to come together in the best of times and the worst of times, and we choose to take on those who try to divide us."