Online extremism ‘cannot be policed’, says head of UK counter-terror police

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Neil Basu warned that a low legal threshold could leave police “overwhelmed” by cases. Mr Basu said that even in the case of Isis supporters, police find a large amount of legal “mindset” material alongside terrorist propaganda. “We can’t do anything about it if it’s not criminal, and neither should we.” Research published by the Crest Advisory consultancy last month found that police struggled to define and separate extremism, hate crime and terrorism, while many prominent extremists have been claiming to defend freedom of speech when facing legal action or social media takedowns. “We will remain vigilant in this area as we recognise the police are often called upon, and feel pressure to address non-criminal social issues.” Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights is currently taking evidence on freedom of expression, and the inquiry will look at police guidance and whether new laws are needed.