RISHI Sunak has dramatically told Brits that there are “forces” which are ready to tear the country apart with their “hateful ideological agenda” in a speech today.
The Prime Minister singled out Islamist extremists and the far right desperate to set “Briton against Briton” in a major speech outside Number 10.
Rishi Sunak makes a public address from Downing Street on Friday evening[/caption]
He addressed the recent increase in “extremist disruption and criminality” since the October 7 Hamas terror attacks, urging Britain to “stand up for our shared values”.
He also slammed the recent by-election in Rochdale, declaring it “beyond alarming” that former Labour MP George Galloway secured victory.
The PM said: “What started as protests on our streets, has descended into intimidation, threats, and planned acts of violence.
“Jewish children fearful to wear their school uniform lest it reveal their identity.
“Muslim women abused in the street for the actions of a terrorist group they have no connection with. Now our democracy itself is a target.”
It comes as concerns for MPs’ safety came to a head last week when Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle cited threats to politicians in his controversial handling of a debate on Gaza.
The PM vowed to strengthen the Government’s Prevent counter-terror programme, bar entry to those who undermine British values and revoke the visas of anyone inciting hate.
He added: “There are forces here at home trying to tear us apart.
“Since October 7 there have been those trying to take advantage of the very human angst that we all feel about the terrible suffering that war brings to the innocent, to women and children to advance a divisive, hateful ideological agenda.”
He insisted Islamist extremists and the far right “feed off and embolden each other” and in a damning indictment of the state of Britain, he said the country’s multi-faith make-up was under threat.
He said: “I fear that our great achievement in building the world’s most successful multi-ethnic, multi faith democracy is being deliberately undermined.”