“Extremism is the promotion of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance”, says the new legal definition of the government. Evangelical organisations see a risk in “subjective” decisions about what beliefs can or cannot be expressed.

Evangelical Christians express disappointment as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak goes ahead with plans that could “criminalise ordinary Christian ministry that seeks to help believers”.

The new guide states that “non-crime hate incidents should not be recorded where they are trivial or irrational”. Christians have welcome the initiative.

Pornography websites could be fined up to 10% of their annual turnover or be blocked. Christian associations welcome “a significant, but long overdue step in the right direction”.

Evangelicals condemn forced therapies but say the will of same-sex attracted people who seek spiritual support has to be respected.

The draft law prompted criticism for being “too vague” and threatening free speech. “It could see people prosecuted for offences that they did not know they committed”, the EAUK warns.

Under the new law, “mere criticism of gay marriage is not an offense”, authorities say. There will be a consultation before religious same-sex weddings become legal in May 2020.

The five Supreme Court judges unanimously upheld Ashers’ appeal against claims of discrimination. “This is a win for everyone”, The UK Evangelical Alliance says in a statement.

“We support tackling extremism, but not in this sweeping, overly broad manner", EAUK, CARE, Christian Concern, Lawyer's Christian Fellowship and The Christian Institute say in a joint statement. Government's strategy against terrorism risks freedom of speech.

“Don't let David Cameron turn you into an extremist”, the unusual coalition of campaigners says. They hope to stop plans to introduce Extremism Disruption Orders (EDOs) in the UK.