Extremism, conspiracy theories and harassment have “eroded” Britain’s democratic resilience, the Government’s independent social cohesion adviser has warned.
Dame Sara Khan warned local authorities are struggling to prevent and respond to cohesion threats which in some cases is causing democratic disruption.
She said: “Horrifying victim testimonies demonstrate how freedom-restricting harassment is poisoning the lifeblood of our public and civic life and our institutions; and is creating a pervasively censorious culture antithetical to our democratic way of life.
“While some are bound to ‘cherry-pick’ some victims and perpetrators over others to suit their own narrative, such an approach would be self-defeating as this trend crosses ideological and social divides, affecting individuals from all walks of life.”
The Khan Review, published today, warned disinformation, extremism and intimidation has led to a “climate of self-censorship” for people and institutions.
A lack of a strategic approach, intelligence and assessment within Government to prevent and respond to cohesion threats have contributed to the “erosion of Britain’s core democratic principles and freedoms”.
She said: “Britain’s most precious asset is our diverse and cohesive democracy – but how we preserve these ideals is fast becoming one of the most important questions of our time.
“My review sheds light on the lack of capability, strategy and response to the slow and insidious erosion of our democratic rights and freedoms by a diverse range of actors.
“I am calling on the Government to commit to a new strategic approach to help protect and preserve our democratic way of life – while also harnessing the many economic, political and social benefits social cohesion can bring to our country.”
Nearly eight in 10 (76%) of the public have refrained from expressing their personal views in public through fear of receiving freedom-restricting harassment.
Meanwhile over a quarter (27%) of the public have experienced life-altering harassment which has resulted in life-changing events, including taking additional security measures and moving house.
Dame Sara said: “Our country has made giant leaps in becoming a tolerant cohesive society and we have much to build on, but I believe the scale and challenge of the cohesion threats we now face requires a radically new approach. I have put forward fifteen recommendations, the large majority of which are for government.
“The government of the day may choose to continue to commission further reviews as it has done in the past, but it is implementation and decisive action that is ultimately needed.”
She urged all political parties to establish how they will address the issues she has raised.
Among the 15 recommendations made are a call for the Government to establish and fund an independent, impartial Office for Social Cohesion and Democratic Resilience.
Dame Sara also urged regulator Ofcom to hold social media platforms to account on tackling freedom-restricting harassment on their platforms.
