As Michael Gove prepares to launch his new policy against extremism later today, it is clear that the true threat to our democracy comes not from the fringes but the heart of govt.

There is a grotesque irony in the Tories launching this strategy in the context of complete impunity offered to their MPs who propagate abuse & their refusal to condemn racist provocations.

More glaring still is its contrast with a Conservative party which now makes violation of international law, parliamentary process and the scapegoating of minorities part of their governing strategy.

The last two weeks alone have seen two incidents of incitement towards hatred from their own benches & backers, deepening the divisions which undermine our democratic culture.

This new definition of extremism is so vague that it risks silencing any dissent or displeasure with the govt.

They are cynically accelerating the debilitation of our democracy in the name of its defence and entrenching intolerance for electoral gain.

The govt needs to get its own house in order and root out extremism in the Tory Party.

That starts with the Tories returning the donation of £10million, the PM reimbursing Frank Hester for helicopter use, and a commitment to taking no more money from Frank Hester.

Anything short of that makes a mockery of their claims to remove hate and extremism in politics and society.