RISHI SUNAK’S plan to widen Prevent to target people who “vilify” Britain exposes the programme as a “tool to crush dissent,” campaigners have warned.  

Under the proposal, announced by the Tory leadership contender on Tuesday night, people who express “an extreme hatred of our country” could be treated as extremists and referred to the government counter-terrorism programme. 

The former chancellor also announced proposals to “refocus” Prevent on Islamic extremism following criticism that it gives too much attention to the far right.