The UK government plans to classify extreme misogyny as a form of extremism under a new initiative, the Home Office has announced.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has initiated a review of the country’s counter-extremism strategy to address the growing threat of harmful ideologies. This review will specifically examine the rise of misogyny as one of these dangerous trends.

Cooper highlighted the increasing presence of extremism “both online and on our streets,” warning that it threatens to undermine the fabric of communities and democracy.

The review will focus on the rise of Islamist and far-right extremism in the UK, while also considering broader ideological movements, including extreme misogyny and violence. Additionally, it will explore the causes and methods of radicalizing young people.

Cooper stated that the strategy would “map and monitor extremist trends” to find ways to disrupt and divert individuals from these dangerous paths. The review aims to identify gaps in current policies and address those pushing harmful and hateful beliefs.

She criticized the weakening of efforts against extremism in recent years and emphasized the need for a renewed focus on tackling these threats.

This review will contribute to the development of a new counter-extremism strategy, which was promised in Labour’s manifesto. The Home Office emphasized that this strategy would address the evolving patterns of extremism in the UK.

The timeline for the “rapid review” remains unclear. It is one of several reviews launched by Labour since taking power in July, including those on defense, spending, and the National Curriculum. While some may view these reviews as a substitute for immediate action, Labour argues that the last Counter-Extremism Strategy was implemented in 2015, making a reassessment of emerging threats necessary.

The government has previously considered misogyny as a form of extremism, particularly in relation to the “Incel culture,” an online movement of predominantly young men who blame women and “alpha males” for their problems. The 2021 mass shooting in Plymouth by 22-year-old Jake Davison, who killed five people before taking his own life, was linked to this ideology.