A cross-party group of MPs, including former Labour chair Anneliese Dodds, has called on the UK government to consider adopting tough new extremism laws similar to those proposed in Australia after the antisemitic Bondi beach attack in December, which killed 15 people.
Key measures proposed
The report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Counter Extremism, seen by The Mirror, recommends creating an aggravated hate speech offence for preachers and leaders, increasing penalties for promoting violence, and granting courts greater powers to tackle online harassment. The MPs argue that dangerous radicals are currently given a "green light" to operate and that a whole-of-society approach is needed.
Clampdown on 'lawful but harmful' content
The report also calls for stricter regulation of 'lawful but harmful' content—such as depictions of serious violence, abuse, and harassment—which experts say platforms actively promote for profit. It references concerns raised in the Southport Inquiry into the murder of three young girls by Axel Rudakubana, a violence-obsessed teenager.
Specialist unit and broader response
MPs demand the creation of a specialist unit within the Cabinet Office to coordinate counter-extremism measures across government departments. The APPG report states that the law must be as firm on homegrown extremists as it is on foreign state threats, criticising the government's current plans for not doing enough to counter dangerous narratives and conspiracy theories.
Anneliese Dodds, vice-chair of the group, said: "Across democratic societies we are seeing the impact of extremism, disinformation, polarisation and declining trust in institutions. Meeting these challenges requires serious, evidence-based policymaking and a commitment to bringing people together around our shared democratic values."
Australia's response as a model
The report highlights Australia's legislative response to the Bondi beach attack, carried out by an ISIS-inspired gunman: "The Australian Government is introducing legislation following the Bondi antisemitic terror shooting, that will outlaw and proscribe hate groups that currently fall short of the threshold of terrorism." It welcomes the UK government's proposed Tackling State Threats Bill but insists equally robust action is needed against domestic extremists.
Social cohesion and AI threats
The APPG report emphasises the need for greater focus on social cohesion, dedicated policies to tackle AI-enabled extremism, and strengthened collaboration with international allies. Labour MP Damien Egan, who chairs the group, said: "Extremism is no longer confined to the fringes of society. It is increasingly fuelled by disinformation, conspiracy theories, online radicalisation, foreign interference, community tensions and declining trust in institutions. The UK needs a more ambitious response — one that is not only cross-party, but whole-of-society."
The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
