Though a new government document lists anti-capitalist views alongside racism and the desire to overthrow democracy as "an extreme political stance", this diktat coming from a government claiming to be democrat and committed to democratic functioning is really bizarre and at the same time shocking. While rightist forces across the world have been contemplating to muzzle the democratic rights and rationale thinking, Boris Johnson taking the lead to enforce it, has really been intriguing. A reply to why the Conservative government acted in haste is still awaited.

The guidance, part of lengthy guidelines for implementing the statutory curriculum listed examples of what were described as “extreme political stances”, such as “a publicly stated desire to abolish or overthrow democracy, capitalism, or to end free and fair elections”; opposition to freedom of speech; the use of racist, including anti semitic, language; the endorsement of illegal activity; and a failure to condemn illegal activities done in support of their cause.

Before coming out with this order, the Boris government should have at least allowed the people know the reason as well the rational of the decision. It is something else that the economic order coming under threat across the globe, almost all the capitalist countries have been facing the crisis. The recent pandemic has further aggravated the situation, but it certainly does not mean the people and the students should be denied to know about other side of the view. This stance of the government should not do good to the people and the country.

Department for Education guidance issued on Thursday for school leaders and teachers involved in setting the relationship, sex and health curriculum categorised anti-capitalism as an “extreme political stance” and equated it with opposition to freedom of speech, anti-semitism and endorsement of illegal activity.

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell even observed that the measures effectively outlawed reference in schools to key events in British history, and that it symbolised growing “authoritarianism” within the governing Conservative party.

McDonnell said: “On this basis it will be illegal to refer to large tracts of British history and politics including the history of British socialism, the Labour Party and trade unionism, all of which have at different times advocated the abolition of capitalism.”

“This is another step in the culture war and this drift towards extreme Conservative authoritarianism is gaining pace and should worry anyone who believes that democracy requires freedom of speech and an educated populace.”

Economist and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis said the guidance showed “how easy it is to lose a country, to slip surreptitiously into totalitarianism”. This order virtually amounts to banning writings of British writers like William Morris, Iris Murdoch, Thomas Paine from enlisting into schools curricula.

Tariq Ali, the writer and activist, said the new guideline was a sign of “moral and political bankruptcy”. He said; “Leaving aside the stupidity, these things don’t work. People will read what they want to read. Trying to enhance a version of the Prevent strategy, which is already in place, is quite scandalous and shocking. If you put things on a banned list, lots of young people can access them via the internet and read them. Banning them from schools will not work at all, aside from the fact it’s a sign of moral and political bankruptcy.”

This direction coming at this stage has given rise to wild speculation. Questions are asked whether the capitalist system facing a serious threat? The Boris Johnson government apparently has no proper reply. Nevertheless some people feel that once the pandemic ceases to exit the country is likely to face many challenges. To meet that challenge the country and the people ought to be prepare well in advance in the right perspective.

A new government document lists anti-capitalist views alongside racism and the desire to overthrow democracy as "an extreme political stance. The Department for Education guidance, under the heading "Plan your relationships, sex and health curriculum", says schools should not use resources produced by organisations that take such stances "under any circumstances". This is the case even if the material itself is not extreme, as the use of it could imply endorsement or support of the organisation. The document says "extreme political stances include, but are not limited to… a publicly stated desire to abolish or overthrow democracy, capitalism, or to end free and fair elections".

It goes on to describe other examples, such as opposition to the right of freedom of speech, the endorsement of illegal activities, and violent actions against people or property.The guidance has been defended by the schools minister, who insisted curriculums would still reflect a "diversity of views and backgrounds".

John McDonnell also said ; "On this basis it will be illegal to refer to large tracts of British history and politics including the history of British socialism, the Labour Party and trade unionism, all of which have at different times advocated the abolition of capitalism. This is another step in the culture war and this drift towards extreme Conservative authoritarianism is gaining pace and should worry anyone who believes that democracy requires freedom of speech and an educated populace."

Dr Richard McNeil-Willson, a counter-extremism expert and research associate at the European University Institute in Florence, described the guidance as "pretty grim stuff". He said; "Terms are vague and misleading, potentially directly targeting or indirectly implicating a huge number of civil society organisations in 'extremism'".

In a statement, minister for school standards Nick Gibb said: "Our new relationships, sex and health education (RHSE) guidance and training resources equip all schools to provide comprehensive teaching in these areas in an age-appropriate way. These materials should give schools the confidence to construct a curriculum that reflects diversity of views and backgrounds, whilst fostering all pupils' respect for others, understanding of healthy relationships, and ability to look after their own wellbeing."

The counter-terrorism police earlier this year had placed the non-violent group Extinction Rebellion on a list of extremist ideologies that should be reported to the authorities running the Prevent programme. However, the south-east division of Counter Terrorism Policing later recalled the document. (IPA Service)