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Far-right extremism is having a devastating impact on communities and our democracy, according to the head of the government’s anti-extremism commission.

Sara Khan made the comments following the shootings at two mosques in New Zealand where 50 people were killed, and another 50 were injured.

Just 24 hours later, Surrey was left reeling when a stabbing of a 19-year-old man in Stanwell was supposedly inspired by the far-right.

Counter-terrorism officers are continuing their investigation into the stabbing, that has been declared a terror incident by Surrey Police.

Ms Khan, who has campaigned for women’s rights in Muslim communities, was appointed the lead of Theresa May’s then newly-formed Commission for Countering Extremism in January 2018 - which was set up after the Manchester Arena attack.

She promised a “zero tolerance to those who promote hate” following her appointment, and has said the world is seeing a new wave of the far-right.

(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

“During the past year, I have been to 14 towns and cities across the country. Everywhere I have been, I have heard deep concern about the far-right and its devastating impact on individuals, communities, and our democracy,” she said.

“In our country - and across the world - we are seeing a new wave of the far-right: they are organised, professional and actively attempting to recruit. They are also supported by a frightening amount of legal extremist content online.

“However, there are important, unanswered questions about the far-right in our country and this is why we are producing a first-of-its-kind study into extremism later this year. As part of this, we are looking into the actions and tactics the far-right use to mainstream their beliefs.”

The recommendations of the study will be taken to Home Secretary Sajid Javid, whom also has come out in reaction to the recent incidents in Surrey, London, Rochdale, and Oxford at the weekend.

He said: “We must stand together as a society and reject the terrorists and extremists who seek to divide us.

“Now’s the moment for us all to challenge the hatred, ignorance and violence they peddle and stand up for the kind of country we are and want to be.

“A welcoming, tolerant, proudly diverse country that draws strength and prosperity from that diversity.

“As Home Secretary I’m determined that every individual and community should feel safe to live their lives.

“To any communities who are feeling vulnerable and under threat I say we are with you.

“You benefit our country, you are part of our country, part of us.”

(Image: PA)

The government’s latest counter-terrorism strategy revealed the threat of extreme right-wing had evolved in recent years and is growing.

Before 2014, extreme right-wing activity was confined to small and established groups with an older membership, the report said, which promoted anti-immigration and white supremacist views but presented a very low risk to national security.

Four extreme right-wing terrorist attacks were foiled in the UK up to June 2018.