Tory demagogues turn on dissent
The Tory government is adding layer upon layer of restriction and suppression of protest. Its latest move is its new definition of “extremism”, announced on 14 March. Groups judged “extremist” will, it seems, not necessarily be banned, but the government will shun them and the Tories will put pressure on Labour to shun them. Labour leaders’ feeble response so far suggests the Tories’ gambit may well embarrass Labour. Yet it is so transparent that three former Tory home secretaries, including the very right-wing Priti Patel, protested in advance of 14 March. Tory-appointed “anti-extremism...