What to make of Sunak’s ‘sinister’ speech on extremism undermining democracy

The British prime minister has warned that his country’s democratic system is being undermined by extremism and criminality in a surprise speech.

In remarks widely interpreted at targeting pro-Palestinian marchers and climate change activists, Rishi Sunak said Britain’s diverse culture was under threat.

“In the past few weeks and months, there has been a troubling escalation in extremist disturbances and criminal activities,” Sunak stated during a late Friday address outside his Downing Street residence.

“We are a nation that values unity and cooperation, striving to construct a unified Britain. However, I am apprehensive that our notable accomplishment of establishing the world’s leading multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy is being intentionally undermined.”

His remarks come just days after firebrand politician George Galloway trounced all of Britain’s established political parties in an election in the northern town of Rochdale. Galloway’s campaign had harnessed discontent with the way the ruling Conservatives and opposition Labour parties are perceived to have failed the people of Gaza.

British journalist and broadcaster, Peter Oborne in a televised interview slammed the UK’s political class in its entirety for what he deemed “dangerous politics”, saying that the divisive comments were started by Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer, “fuelled by Sunak”, and furthered by the influential speaker of the House of Commons.

In an op-ed, Oborne wrote that comments from politicians have “led to an explosion of Islamophobic hatred against Muslims protesting against Israel’s war on Gaza”.

According to Oborne, in recent months a concerning storyline has been gaining traction within the British political arena that suggests that radical Islamists are gaining control over the streets of London, exerting pressure on politicians and undermining the authority of parliament, thereby posing a threat to democracy itself.

During a session in the Commons on Thursday, Robert Jenrick, a former cabinet minister, remarked that Britain has permitted “Islamist extremists to dominate our streets.” He highlighted a trend of these extremists using intimidation tactics against those with differing views, often resorting to the threat of violence. Penny Mordaunt, another senior member of the ruling party, concurred with Jenrick’s sentiments, stating that she shared his concerns.

London’s police service has repeatedly described the protests, which have been going on for months, as “largely peaceful.” Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets with several dozen arrests mainly as a result of chants or banners deemed to be offensive or hateful. Choosing to protest outside MPs houses led to an escalation of the rhetoric used by politicians.

‘Sinister’

On Sunday, Labour peer Baroness Chakrabarti told Sky News that she found the prime minister’s speech “sinister” and that too many of his ministers have been “pouring fuel on the flames of polarisation, culture wars, and division”.

As the UK heads to the polls later this year, there are fears that politicians are deliberately seeking to polarise the electorate by focusing on divisive issues. Accusations around Islamophobia and Anti-semitism have been used to shut down debate and the government is even said to be considering a ban on members of parliament talking to groups it believes are undermining British values.

Britain’s reputation as a multicultural leader on the global stage may indeed be under threat. But the question many will pose in the run-up to the election will be whether the danger lies with protesters on the streets or with politicians in the corridors of power.