Dame Sara Khan DBE
@sarakhandbe.bsky.social
UK Counter-Extremism Commissioner 2018-2021
UK Gov Adviser on Social Cohesion & Resilience 2021-2024
The Khan Review (2024)
Global Board Member: More In Common
Senior Adviser: Crest Advisory
Trustee: Demos
UK Gov Adviser on Social Cohesion & Resilience 2021-2024
The Khan Review (2024)
Global Board Member: More In Common
Senior Adviser: Crest Advisory
Trustee: Demos
Interesting how socio-economic issues are simply not a high concern for Reform voters.
What do the public say the govt’s #1 priority for 2026 should be? Respondents answered in their own words, which we have categorised
1. Tackling immigration: 23%
2. Cost of living: 16%
3. Economy: 10%
4. NHS: 5%
5. Climate change: 3%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
1. Tackling immigration: 23%
2. Cost of living: 16%
3. Economy: 10%
4. NHS: 5%
5. Climate change: 3%
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
January 6, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Interesting how socio-economic issues are simply not a high concern for Reform voters.
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
“Many who argue for revocation claim that it is necessary to preserve the integrity of citizenship. In fact... to allow the state to annul citizenship so easily is to take its meaning insufficiently seriously.“ My @theobserveruk.bsky.social column: observer.co.uk/news/columni...
Stripping citizenship with such ease tears at the moral f...
The clamour to revoke Abd el-Fattah's British identity over past repugnant tweets poses profound questions about state power and individual rights
observer.co.uk
January 4, 2026 at 11:31 AM
“Many who argue for revocation claim that it is necessary to preserve the integrity of citizenship. In fact... to allow the state to annul citizenship so easily is to take its meaning insufficiently seriously.“ My @theobserveruk.bsky.social column: observer.co.uk/news/columni...
For years I've called for the proscription of Patriotic Alternative not under existing terrorisn proscription orders but with a new set of hateful extremism proscription orders. For years successive UK governments have instead allowed such dangerous groups to continue operating with impunity.
Leading UK far-right activist spoke at Russian extreme nationalist event
Exclusive: Patriotic Alternative’s Mark Collett addressed forum along with ideologue described as ‘Putin’s brain’
www.theguardian.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:43 AM
For years I've called for the proscription of Patriotic Alternative not under existing terrorisn proscription orders but with a new set of hateful extremism proscription orders. For years successive UK governments have instead allowed such dangerous groups to continue operating with impunity.
If Ofcom as regulator is allegedly reluctant to intervene over politically difficult issues of impartiality, then frankly who will? Ofcom as an independent body is there to provide checks & balances. Our institutions must reaffirm their commitment to this especially during these polarised times.
NEW: There have been several detailed complaints about the GB News interview with Trump - on impartiality, accuracy & lack of pushback.
Ex-Ofcom official said they'd never seen anything like it.
Is this the moment Ofcom acts on increasingly politicised media?
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/d...
Ex-Ofcom official said they'd never seen anything like it.
Is this the moment Ofcom acts on increasingly politicised media?
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/d...
Ofcom urged to investigate GB News Trump interview over inaccuracy claims
US president’s assertions climate change is ‘a hoax’ and London has police no-go areas left unchallenged, say critics
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2025 at 4:32 PM
If Ofcom as regulator is allegedly reluctant to intervene over politically difficult issues of impartiality, then frankly who will? Ofcom as an independent body is there to provide checks & balances. Our institutions must reaffirm their commitment to this especially during these polarised times.
There are legal limitations/principles about freedom of expression. But that doesn't mean those shouting the loudest about these cases have a principled or consistent approach about free speech.That's the real issue.Ideologues using free speech as a culture war & weaponising it for political reasons
NEW
When should social media posts have legal consequences?
Comparing and contrasting the cases of Lucy Connolly and Alaa Abd El-Fattah
By me, at @newstatesman1913.bsky.social
www.newstatesman.com/politics/soc...
When should social media posts have legal consequences?
Comparing and contrasting the cases of Lucy Connolly and Alaa Abd El-Fattah
By me, at @newstatesman1913.bsky.social
www.newstatesman.com/politics/soc...
December 31, 2025 at 3:17 PM
There are legal limitations/principles about freedom of expression. But that doesn't mean those shouting the loudest about these cases have a principled or consistent approach about free speech.That's the real issue.Ideologues using free speech as a culture war & weaponising it for political reasons
It is right el-Fattah apologised for those extreme tweets but to negate all his other pro-democracy activity is peverse. The UK populist right demanding he should lose his British citizenship is ironically peak cancel culture & extreme, the very thing they always complain about.
Calls to strip pro-democracy activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah of his British citizenship pile torment on top of torture.
New piece by me on a dangerous and manufactured storm:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
New piece by me on a dangerous and manufactured storm:
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s tweets were wrong, but he is no ‘anti-white Islamist’. Why does the British right want you to believe he is? | Naomi Klein
I have no interest in defending his social media posts, but calls to strip the newly freed activist of British citizenship pile torment on top of torture, says Naomi Klein, Guardian US columnist and c...
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:21 AM
It is right el-Fattah apologised for those extreme tweets but to negate all his other pro-democracy activity is peverse. The UK populist right demanding he should lose his British citizenship is ironically peak cancel culture & extreme, the very thing they always complain about.
Very pleased to hear this. The attempt to censure those who counter hate, extremism & disinformation is dangerous & threatens us, our children, our freedoms & democracy. Following the US' Nat Sec Strategy,it's clear European countries are on a collision course with the US. This is a battle of values
Watch this urgent message from our CEO & Founder, Imran 👇
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
A bit of real cheer for us all!
🎅🎄🤶🌲
A bit of real cheer for us all!
🎅🎄🤶🌲
December 26, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Very pleased to hear this. The attempt to censure those who counter hate, extremism & disinformation is dangerous & threatens us, our children, our freedoms & democracy. Following the US' Nat Sec Strategy,it's clear European countries are on a collision course with the US. This is a battle of values
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
EU Commission response to US sanctions imposed upon advocates of regulating social media ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
December 24, 2025 at 11:05 AM
EU Commission response to US sanctions imposed upon advocates of regulating social media ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
Now, during the time for giving, would you consider giving to CCDH?
Your gift would fuel the research campaigns and advocacy to hold tech bosses accountable for the harms they cause online.
Together, we can build a safer internet for all. Donate today ⤵️
Your gift would fuel the research campaigns and advocacy to hold tech bosses accountable for the harms they cause online.
Together, we can build a safer internet for all. Donate today ⤵️
Donate to the Center for Countering Digital Hate
Counter Hate + Disinformation - CCDH works to counter the bad actors and platforms that spread hate and lies. Be part of it.
donate.counterhate.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Now, during the time for giving, would you consider giving to CCDH?
Your gift would fuel the research campaigns and advocacy to hold tech bosses accountable for the harms they cause online.
Together, we can build a safer internet for all. Donate today ⤵️
Your gift would fuel the research campaigns and advocacy to hold tech bosses accountable for the harms they cause online.
Together, we can build a safer internet for all. Donate today ⤵️
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
This is a serious escalation of the supposed war against “censorship”: in the name of free speech, five people are now having their visas revoked and are facing deportation.
This is a narrative Bari Weiss’s Free Press was heavily involved in pushing, too.
This is a narrative Bari Weiss’s Free Press was heavily involved in pushing, too.
The US State Department is now going to be deporting people and/or revoking visas over Benz, Taibbi, and Shellenberger’s “censorship industrial complex” hoax.
Let that sink in. This is what the Twitter Files pretext was actually about. Water boys for authoritarians.
www.state.gov/releases/off...
Let that sink in. This is what the Twitter Files pretext was actually about. Water boys for authoritarians.
www.state.gov/releases/off...
Announcement of Actions to Combat the Global Censorship-Industrial Complex - United States Department of State
The State Department is taking decisive action against five individuals who have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress American viewpoints they oppose....
www.state.gov
December 23, 2025 at 9:17 PM
This is a serious escalation of the supposed war against “censorship”: in the name of free speech, five people are now having their visas revoked and are facing deportation.
This is a narrative Bari Weiss’s Free Press was heavily involved in pushing, too.
This is a narrative Bari Weiss’s Free Press was heavily involved in pushing, too.
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
A summons against Reginald D Hunter by the Campaign Against Antisemitism has been quashed after a judge ruled the 'abusive' private prosecution was intended to get the comedian 'cancelled'
Comedian's 'antisemitism' case thrown out as prosecution labelled 'abusive'
www.thenational.scot
December 23, 2025 at 4:13 PM
A summons against Reginald D Hunter by the Campaign Against Antisemitism has been quashed after a judge ruled the 'abusive' private prosecution was intended to get the comedian 'cancelled'
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
In the gloom, there are points of light - and what connects them is courage. Last column of 2025 offers some reasons to be hopeful www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
At the dark end of a brutal year, I’m grateful to these heroes for showing us the light | Jonathan Freedland
From Palestinians standing up to Hamas to the Bondi beach rescuers, great acts of courage offer hope even in the bleakest times, says Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:37 PM
In the gloom, there are points of light - and what connects them is courage. Last column of 2025 offers some reasons to be hopeful www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I too was sickened to read arguments made by academics - of who neither they or their daughters will experience FGM - compare what is an act of torture to "designer vaginas." The clue is in the name: "mutilation." Trying to justify FGM for any reason is beyond peverse & an inverted form of racism.
'These FGM apologists are western privilege personified' | ✍️ Janice Turner
These FGM apologists are western privilege personified
These FGM apologists are western privilege personified
www.thetimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 7:18 AM
I too was sickened to read arguments made by academics - of who neither they or their daughters will experience FGM - compare what is an act of torture to "designer vaginas." The clue is in the name: "mutilation." Trying to justify FGM for any reason is beyond peverse & an inverted form of racism.
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
Trump’s dismantling of climate research center is a ‘destruction of knowledge,’ critics say
Trump’s dismantling of climate research center is a ‘destruction of knowledge,’ critics say
The White House says it’s targeting the “premier research stronghold for left-wing climate lunacy.”
dlvr.it
December 17, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Trump’s dismantling of climate research center is a ‘destruction of knowledge,’ critics say
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
Again these people aren't patriots.
They hate our country and are allied to others who hate it too.
Nothing will ever be achieved by seeking to appease them
They hate our country and are allied to others who hate it too.
Nothing will ever be achieved by seeking to appease them
December 16, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Again these people aren't patriots.
They hate our country and are allied to others who hate it too.
Nothing will ever be achieved by seeking to appease them
They hate our country and are allied to others who hate it too.
Nothing will ever be achieved by seeking to appease them
Very good piece by Sir David Omand on why social cohesion in the face of extremism is a security imperative. In the face of rising extremism and the threat to democracy, the time for a new strategic approach is well overdue.
Rising antisemitism reflects wider social ills, says Britain’s former counter-terrorism co-ordinator
Sir David Omand on why social cohesion in the face of extremism is a security imperative
www.economist.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Very good piece by Sir David Omand on why social cohesion in the face of extremism is a security imperative. In the face of rising extremism and the threat to democracy, the time for a new strategic approach is well overdue.
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
Ben Jennings on the Bondi beach terror attack – cartoon
Ben Jennings on the Bondi beach terror attack – cartoon
Ahmed al-Ahmed has been hailed as a hero after tackling one of the alleged gunmen during Sunday’s attack
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Ben Jennings on the Bondi beach terror attack – cartoon
Despicable attack on Bondi beach targeting Sydney's Jewish community on 1st day of Hanukkah killing 12, is not only an attack on a religious community it is an attack on democracy & democratic freedoms. Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with victims&families. We must stamp out this antisemitic hatred.
December 14, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Despicable attack on Bondi beach targeting Sydney's Jewish community on 1st day of Hanukkah killing 12, is not only an attack on a religious community it is an attack on democracy & democratic freedoms. Heartbreaking. My thoughts are with victims&families. We must stamp out this antisemitic hatred.
53% Brits think Reform is racist. @theobserveruk.bsky.social "Reform's roll of shame"demonstrates not a case of a bad apple but an institutional problem. The anti-Muslim hate, dangerous obsession with Sadiq Khan, the racism, incitement & support for far right beliefs leaves one fearful about the UK.
December 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM
53% Brits think Reform is racist. @theobserveruk.bsky.social "Reform's roll of shame"demonstrates not a case of a bad apple but an institutional problem. The anti-Muslim hate, dangerous obsession with Sadiq Khan, the racism, incitement & support for far right beliefs leaves one fearful about the UK.
Political violence is an attack on our democracy & yet we are seeing more actions like this occuring.
Councillors in Kent were "violently intimidated" and "pelted with eggs" at a meeting by "people wearing balaclavas" in the public gallery.
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
Councillors in Kent were "violently intimidated" and "pelted with eggs" at a meeting by "people wearing balaclavas" in the public gallery.
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
Balaclava-clad protesters disrupt Kent refugee debate, MP says - BBC News
Kevin McKenna MP says "people in balaclavas violently intimidated" Swale councillors.
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org
December 11, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Political violence is an attack on our democracy & yet we are seeing more actions like this occuring.
Councillors in Kent were "violently intimidated" and "pelted with eggs" at a meeting by "people wearing balaclavas" in the public gallery.
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
Councillors in Kent were "violently intimidated" and "pelted with eggs" at a meeting by "people wearing balaclavas" in the public gallery.
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
Citizens of countries including the UK and France will have to disclose the past five years of their social media history to visit the US even though they are covered by visa waiver schemes, under new proposals by the Trump administration.
www.ft.com/content/683b...
www.ft.com/content/683b...
US to require social media disclosure for visa-waiver requests
Change would affect visitors from countries including the UK, France and Australia
www.ft.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Citizens of countries including the UK and France will have to disclose the past five years of their social media history to visit the US even though they are covered by visa waiver schemes, under new proposals by the Trump administration.
www.ft.com/content/683b...
www.ft.com/content/683b...
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
🗞️ Our latest issue: Why Virginia Giuffre is our Person of the Year
Cover story by @sonia-sodha.bsky.social
The pain she suffered at the hands of powerful men was ultimately too much to bear, but 2025 will be remembered as the year of her vengeance
🔗 Get 10 weeks for £10: bit.ly/3KP8338
Cover story by @sonia-sodha.bsky.social
The pain she suffered at the hands of powerful men was ultimately too much to bear, but 2025 will be remembered as the year of her vengeance
🔗 Get 10 weeks for £10: bit.ly/3KP8338
December 10, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🗞️ Our latest issue: Why Virginia Giuffre is our Person of the Year
Cover story by @sonia-sodha.bsky.social
The pain she suffered at the hands of powerful men was ultimately too much to bear, but 2025 will be remembered as the year of her vengeance
🔗 Get 10 weeks for £10: bit.ly/3KP8338
Cover story by @sonia-sodha.bsky.social
The pain she suffered at the hands of powerful men was ultimately too much to bear, but 2025 will be remembered as the year of her vengeance
🔗 Get 10 weeks for £10: bit.ly/3KP8338
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
NEW
Extremism, conformity, and the problem of law
How the law can (attempt to) regulate extremism, but it can really do nothing about conformism.
By me
emptycity.substack.com/p/extremism-...
Extremism, conformity, and the problem of law
How the law can (attempt to) regulate extremism, but it can really do nothing about conformism.
By me
emptycity.substack.com/p/extremism-...
Extremism, conformity, and the problem of law
How the law can (attempt to) regulate extremism, but it can really do nothing about conformism.
emptycity.substack.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:51 AM
NEW
Extremism, conformity, and the problem of law
How the law can (attempt to) regulate extremism, but it can really do nothing about conformism.
By me
emptycity.substack.com/p/extremism-...
Extremism, conformity, and the problem of law
How the law can (attempt to) regulate extremism, but it can really do nothing about conformism.
By me
emptycity.substack.com/p/extremism-...
Reposted by Dame Sara Khan DBE
Most discussions about “misinformation” treat the problem as if people simply don’t have good enough critical-thinking skills. It sounds intuitive, but it’s not entirely accurate. The problem isn’t just individual ignorance, it’s the structure of the information environment people are placed into.
Finland has emerged as a global leader in countering “fake news”. Here's how they've done it
Teaching when to trust
As fake news accelerates, we need to teach our children how to think critically. Finnish schools are leading the charge
newhumanist.org.uk
December 7, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Most discussions about “misinformation” treat the problem as if people simply don’t have good enough critical-thinking skills. It sounds intuitive, but it’s not entirely accurate. The problem isn’t just individual ignorance, it’s the structure of the information environment people are placed into.
Piers Morgan's interview of neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes - "Hitler is cool" - shows how the cordon sanitaire is eroding. Extremist groups used to say this stuff privately & if recorded secretly, they'd still deny it. Now? Open, brazen, no apology for such beliefs & PROUD. x.com/i/status/199...
x.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Piers Morgan's interview of neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes - "Hitler is cool" - shows how the cordon sanitaire is eroding. Extremist groups used to say this stuff privately & if recorded secretly, they'd still deny it. Now? Open, brazen, no apology for such beliefs & PROUD. x.com/i/status/199...