Cameron to unveil counterterror measures aimed at Islamists

David Cameron is to unveil counterterror measures aimed at confronting the "poisonous ideology" of Islamist extremism and ending what he said was a culture of "passive tolerance" towards those who oppose British values.

Chairing the first meeting since the election of the UK's National Security Council on Wednesday, the prime minister will outline the key components of his counter-extremism legislation before it is announced formally in the Queen's Speech later this month and fast-tracked through parliament.

The policies include disruption orders to prevent extremists airing their views in public or radicalising young people, new powers to close premises such as mosques where extremists are seeking to build influence, and extra immigration restrictions for those thought to be preaching extremist views.

The Charity Commission will also be awarded a boosted remit to root out charities who misappropriate funds towards terrorism and Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, will be empowered to act against channels which broadcast extremist content.

Theresa May, the home secretary, told the BBC on Wednesday: "We're talking about the extremism of all sorts that's seeking to promote hatred, that's seeking to divide society, that undermines the values that makes us this great pluralistic society."

She insisted that "no one is questioning that different views cannot be expressed" but said what would be banned is "extremist preaching, this message of intolerance that can lead down a path of radicalism".

The legislation is part of a strategy of positive measures, Ms May said, including a programme to help isolated communities and initiatives to prevent a repeat of the "Trojan Horse" affair in Birmingham schools to "change young minds".

"We need to ask how that happened and what we can do to ensure it doesn't happen again," Ms May said of the alleged Islamist plot to infiltrate some schools in the city.

Mr Cameron first signalled his desire to further crack down on extremism following the murder of fusilier Lee Rigby by Islamist terrorists in London two years ago. However, many of the Home Office's proposals on this issue were vetoed by the Liberal Democrats, who were then part of the coalition government.

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Despite being scheduled to publish a government strategy on counter-extremism before the election, Ms May had to shelve her blueprint following additional opposition from fellow Tory ministers. In particular, she was forced to drop plans that would have allowed the government to ban extremist speakers from university campuses.

Addressing the council, the prime minister is expected to say that the UK has been "neutral" on questions of opposing values. "For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens: as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone," he will say. "And that's helped foster a narrative of extremism and grievance."

He will add that to belong in Britain is to believe in fighting extremism in all its forms. "Whether they are violent in their means or not, we must make it impossible for the extremists to succeed," he will add.

Ms May will also address the council, announcing her intention to "empower institutions to stand up against the extremists and challenge bigotry and ignorance . . . and support those who are fighting back against extremism online".

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