We must face down extremists, says Rishi Sunak

The UK must face down extremists trying to "deliberately" undermine the country's "multi-faith democracy", Rishi Sunak has warned.

The PM said Islamists and the far-right were "two sides of the same extremist coin" who loathed Britain.

He also expressed concern about the regular protests taking place in response to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Mr Sunak spoke at a lectern outside No 10, a set up usually reserved for big announcements such as elections.

However, his speech did not contain details of any new policy changes.

The prime minister opened his remarks by expressing concern that democracy had become "a target" and that MPs no longer felt safe.

In an attack on George Galloway, he said it was "beyond alarming" that voters in the Rochdale by-election had returned a candidate who he said had "dismissed what happened on 7 October" in Israel.

Speaking to Sky News immediately after the prime minister's speech, Mr Galloway said: "I despise the prime minister".

He added that he had been elected in a "free and fair election... you are going to just have to suck it up".

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the prime minister was right to "advocate unity and to condemn the unacceptable and intimidatory behaviour that we have seen recently".

He added: "This is something agreed across the parties and which we should all defend."

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "The British people will take no lessons from a prime minister and Conservative party who have sowed the seeds of division for years. SNP MP Alison Thewliss said Mr Sunak had "repeatedly, and very deliberately, sought to stoke up divisions, pander to the far-right and pit communities against each other for electoral gain".

Mr Sunak used his hastily-arranged speech to raise fears about protests that had taken place since Hamas' attack against Israel.

"Since 7 October there have been those trying to take advantage of the very human angst that we all feel about the terrible suffering that war brings to the innocent, to women and children to advance a divisive, hateful ideological agenda."

He said the streets had been "hijacked by small groups who are hostile to our values".

The police had a "tough job" in managing the protests he said but insisted "we must draw a line".

He said people on marches should not be allowed to call for violent Jihad or call for the eradication of any state.

Mr Sunak promised to back the police and said his government would be introducing "a new robust framework for how it deals with this issue".

Divisions over the Israel-Gaza conflict have led to heightened political tensions in UK politics in recent months.

Last week Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said fears over threats to politicians was partly behind his controversial handling of a debate on Gaza.

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood's home was targeted by pro-Palestinian protestors and Justice minister Mike Freer said he would be standing down due to safety fears.

Responding to concerns the Home Office announced £31m of funding aimed at protecting democratic processes including expanding security for politicians.