Rishi Sunak warns British democracy is 'under threat'

Rishi Sunak has called for the country to come together to beat the “poison” of extremists targeting democracy, in a hastily arranged press conference in Downing Street, Report informs with reference to The Independent.

In an extraordinary address to the public, he warned there were forces “at home trying to tear us apart’’ adding ‘we must face (them) down”.

Just hours after the victory of George Galloway in the Rochdale by-election, the prime minister branded his win "beyond alarming."

There had been a “shocking increase” in extremist disruption and criminality in recent months, in the wake of the war in Gaza, he said, as he announced a crackdown.

"What started as protests on our streets have descended into intimidation, threats and planned acts of violence,” he said. "Jewish children fearful to wear their school uniform lest it reveals their identity. Muslim women abused in the street for the actions of a terrorist group they have no connection with. Now our democracy itself is a target.”

Mr Sunak annouced ministers would redouble support for the anti-terrorism Prevent program, demand universities stop extremist activity on campus and prevent people entering the UK whose “aim is to undermine its values”.