In a comprehensive report, the UK’s adviser on social cohesion, Dame Sara Khan, highlights the dangers of extremism, conspiracy theories, and harassment to Britain’s democracy, calling for strategic government action.
Dame Sara Khan, the UK Government’s independent adviser on social cohesion, has issued a stark warning about the threats posed to Britain’s democratic values by extremism, conspiracy theories, harassment, and self-censorship. She presented these concerns in a comprehensive report that pinpoints the increasing intimidation, disinformation, and resultant climate of self-censorship harming the country. The report notably finds that a significant 76% of the public hesitates to share personal views due to fear of harassment, with 27% having experienced life-altering forms of harassment.
Dame Khan has called for immediate and strategic action from the government to counter these threats. Among her recommendations is the establishment of an independent Office for Social Cohesion and Democratic Resilience, alongside increased accountability for social media platforms in addressing online harassment. The report also singles out the necessity of creating protest exclusion zones outside schools to protect academic freedom, an idea propelled by the distressing incident at Batley Grammar School in West Yorkshire, where a teacher faced severe backlash for showing a caricature of the Prophet Mohammed.
The findings shed light on the extensive self-censorship among politicians, academics, artists, and journalists, driven by a culture of fear. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Communities Secretary Michael Gove have acknowledged the issues raised, with Gove committing to address the highlighted concerns about harassment restricting freedom.
Dame Sara’s report demands decisive action across the political spectrum to confront the challenges posed to Britain’s democratic society. By proposing legislative and strategic measures, the report aims to defend against the eroding principles of democracy and to promote a more cohesive and resilient democratic society in the UK.