Labour’s Review into Extremism Presents No New Changes

London - Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s announcement of yet another review into the UK's extremism strategy ‘as not enough is being done’ signals a continuation of the same damaging rationale that has built an infrastructure of authoritarian powers over the last two decades. 
 
Successive governments have pursued counter-extremism policies that have criminalised dissent, curtailed free speech, and fostered a climate of fear and suspicion. Despite Cooper’s criticisms of the previous administration’s strategy, her focus is on doing more, not less of that has failed. Another review, no matter how framed, will do little to address these injustices and will instead perpetuate the very issues it claims to resolve.
 
What is needed is a fundamental shift away from oppressive counter extremism strategies to appease right wing think tanks and media, and an acknowledgement that whilst existing criminal law offences provide ample powers, damaging the fabric of basic rights has , and will further undermine social cohesion and civil liberties. It is precisely because of this danger that former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, Max Hill KC, called for the abolition of counter-terrorism powers, recognising the dangers they pose.
 
Yvette Cooper should revisit the countless reviews and reports into the harm caused by counter extremism/terrorism powers published by the UN and British Human Rights and advocacy groups. This is an opportunity to implement recommendations aimed at eliminating the inherent injustice built into an authoritarian counter extremism narrative of the past.