GB News host Bev Turner has hit out at the Government over its new definition of extremism and raised concerns about what it could mean for people sceptical of its policies.
Bev opened up on her personal experience of being “blacklisted” by the Government for raising concerns about the Covid vaccine on social media.
Doing so now could result in her being defined as an extremist, she said in a discussion with Lord Walney, the Government’s independent adviser on political violence and disruption.
“I’m worried I’m going to end up on that category [extremist]”, she said.
Bev Turner hit out at Lord Walney during the tense interview
GB NEWS
“During the pandemic, when I spoke out against Government policy, which we should be able to do in a liberal democracy, I was being surveilled by the Government. My name is on those lists.
“I sent a tweet out raising awareness of data about an increase in menstrual irregularities since the vaccine, that got me a black mark with this Government.
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“In a similar, pandemic situation, when everyone is panicking and talking about individual liberties, I might be deemed to be dangerous.
“How can you guarantee that won’t happen?”
The conversation then veered as the life peer took issue with Bev’s stance on vaccines.
He acknowledged Bev’s “serious point” on being termed an extremist, but urged her not to be “daft enough” to fall for “conspiracy theories” about the Covid vaccine.
Michael Gove has unveiled a new definition of extremism
PA“How dare you”, Bev angrily responded.
“This was on the Government’s own system. Don’t tell me this is a conspiracy theory.”
“It is an important point”, Walney responded as he asked for forgiveness from the GB News host.
“I think that it is important there remains a space for free speech”, he said.
“It’s understandable that we look at the recent pandemic and where the boundaries ought to lie.
“There were a lot of conspiracy theories around at the time and I think that raises questions for broadcasting guidelines.
“Equally, there was a danger that you had a level of groupthink and you shut out things like, ‘was China responsible for the virus being produced?’ That was jumped on early on and discussion was suppressed.
“That is why the framework set out has to be properly scrutinised and balanced.”
The new definition was rolled out amid concerns extremist groups are 'inciting hatred'
GB NEWS
Michael Gove unveiled the Government’s new definition of extremism on Thursday.
It describes extremism as “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that aims to “negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others” or “undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights”.
The safety of vaccines has been extensively researched in both adults and children by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and continues to be monitored.