Police designation of XR as ‘extremist ideology’ sparks fresh fury over Prevent

THE government’s Prevent strategy is being called into question yet again after police documents revealed that Extinction Rebellion (XR) had been designated an “extremist ideology.”
Human rights groups, politicians and activists were quick to condemn the inclusion of the non-violent movement in a guide produced by counter-terrorism police in south-east England.
The guide urged people to look out for anyone using “strong or emotive terms about environmental issues like climate change, ecology, species extinction, fracking, airport expansion or pollution.”
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In an exclusive investigation, BETHANY RIELLY looks at how the state targeted leading politicians and campaigning groups — labelling many well-known figures 'extremists' and 'subversives' for attempting to hold the police to account

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