IDEOLOGIES
9. The terminology used to describe Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism (ERWT) is complex and subject to change, as the understanding of the threat and indeed the threat itself has evolved. In particular, the terms used by the Intelligence Community and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) to describe this threat have evolved, as primacy for ERWT has transferred to MI5 from CTP. Even the term 'ERWT' was only adopted within Government during the course of our Inquiry.
10. ERWT is closely linked to a broader Far-Right movement—most of which does not directly engage in violence. There is a wide disparity of terminology and definitions across academia and the Government to describe the Far Right, Right-Wing Extremism and ERWT. For clarity, this Report has used the terms delineated below.
Terminology used in this Report
Far Right (FR)[1] is used as an umbrella term to encapsulate the entire movement which has a Far-Right political outlook in relation to matters such as culture, race, immigration and identity. Critically, this includes groups and individuals who hold that Western. civilisations are under threat from 'non-native' people and ideas. The term encompasses individuals and movements including the quasi-democratic and populist, and extends from the British National Party through to the proscribed group National Action.
Extreme Right Wing (XRW) will be used to refer to Right-Wing Extremist groups and individuals within the Far Right who maintain active opposition to democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and respect for and tolerance of different faiths/beliefs.
Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism (ERWT) describes the segment of the Far-Right movement involved in politically motivated violence. It is this that falls within the remit of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) and MI5—for example, the actions of Darren Osborne (the Finsbury Park mosque attacker).
Terrorism, as defined by Section 1 of the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT), encapsulates the use or threat of action which is designed to influence the government or an international governmental organisation, or to intimidate the public or a section of the public, and which is used to advance a political, religious or ideological cause. Such actions include those that: involve serious violence against a person or serious damage to property; endanger another person's life; create a serious risk to the health or safety of the public; or are designed to seriously interfere with or disrupt an electronic system.
Hate crime is defined as "any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic. Hate crime can be motivated by disability, gender identity, race, religion or faith and sexual orientation".[2]
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