Nicky Morgan launches 'educate against hate' in latest anti-extremism drive

An "educate against hate" website was launched today as part of a renewed drive to protect children from "the spell of twisted ideologies".

Nicky Morgan, the education secretary and a Christian, announced the launch alongside a crackdown on unregistered schools.

The series of measures are designed to "protect children in and out of school", a statement from the Department of Education said, and follows concerns from Tory MPs that new measures will lead to Ofsted registering and inspecting Sunday schools.

"We are determined to keep children safe in and out of school," said Morgan in her speech, made from Bethnal Green Academy, which was attended by three girls who ran away to join ISIS in Syria last February. 

"Today's announcement of resources and tougher powers to protect young, impressionable minds from radical views sends a clear message to extremists: our children are firmly out of your reach."

This is "absolutely not about shutting down debate in schools," said the education secretary, or "wrapping young people in cotton wool".

She acknowledged there must be a balance between combating extremism and allowing open debate.

"That isn't easy, there's no hard and fast rule, age appropriateness matters, as do the motivations of the speakers," Morgan said.

"It requires judgement – but just as we must be absolutely clear that we should never give those who peddle extremist ideologies entry in to our schools or colleges, so too we must guard against inadvertently hiding young people from views which we simply think are wrong and disagree with."

The announcement from the Department of Education comes the day after the Prime Minister said migrant women faced deportation if they did not learn English. The move is intended to prevent isolation in communities which, Cameron said, is a contributing factor towards extremism.

The new website was founded "following Ofsted inspections of schools in Tower Hamlets and Birmingham last year", a statement read, where 15 unregistered, illegal schools were discovered.

related articles
Extremism consultation must be extended, says Christian MP

Extremism consultation must be extended, says Christian MP

Christian MPs warn Sunday schools face ban on teaching traditional marriage
Christian MPs warn Sunday schools face ban on teaching traditional marriage

Christian MPs warn Sunday schools face ban on teaching traditional marriage

Government urged to ensure UK aid does not facilitate Christian persecution
Government urged to ensure UK aid does not facilitate Christian persecution

Government urged to ensure UK aid does not facilitate Christian persecution

Ofsted chief: Sunday schools could be inspected under counter-extremism measures

Ofsted chief: Sunday schools could be inspected under counter-extremism measures

Call for Ofsted chief to resign over Sunday school \'inspections\'
Call for Ofsted chief to resign over Sunday school 'inspections'

Call for Ofsted chief to resign over Sunday school 'inspections'

Cameron condemns 'conservative religious practices' that isolate women

Cameron condemns 'conservative religious practices' that isolate women

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.