Sajid Javid warns 'UK risks sliding into nationalism' amid growing threat from far right

Sajid Javid has called for action to stop the UK “sliding into nationalism” as far-right movements grow in power around the world.

The home secretary appealed for a “national conversation about extremism” as he announced the government was drawing up a new strategy to combat multiple threats.

“Around the world, populism and even open racism have catapulted extremists into power,” Mr Javid said.

“Thankfully our politics has not gone down the same road as parts of Europe and the US, but we must act now to stop sliding into nationalism.”

Mr Javid praised Nigel Farage for leaving Ukip when Tommy Robinson was appointed as an adviser, saying the party's support has “collapsed” because of its lurch to the right.

He urged people not to label the Brexit Party extremists or “demonise anyone with a different view”.

The home secretary, who is expected to retain a cabinet post under the next prime minister, stopped short of labelling Donald Trump a racist but heavily criticised the US president's calls for ethnic minority American Congresswomen to “go back” to other countries.

“I am deeply concerned about the polarisation we're seeing in parts of the US, some of the naked populism we see and chants of 'send her back',” Mr Javid said, pledging that the UK would be a “critical friend” to American allies.

Mr Javid called on all public figures to “moderate their language” but refused to criticise Boris Johnson when The Independent higlighted his comments comparing Muslim womento letterboxes and bank robbers.