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<p>For National Security Vetting purposes, Government policy does not define the terms
‘overthrowing’ or ‘undermining’ in any manner more explicit than the terms already
indicate. The question asked of vetting candidates refers to ‘political, industrial
or violent means’ and this offers context for prospective candidates to understand
what types of activities are being referred to.</p><p>There are too many hypothetical
examples for a comprehensive list to be feasible. Each candidate is assessed on a
case by case basis, giving due regard to the guidance offered by the classified Vetting
Decision Framework. Where candidates disclose a potentially adverse association of
any kind, assessment of their suitability to hold a security clearance will take into
account:</p><ol><li><p>the nature and closeness of the association in question;</p></li><li><p>the
self-stated or privately stated aims of individuals or organisations that wish to
replace the United Kingdom’s current parliamentary political system; and</p></li><li><p>the
assessments of relevant agencies involved in investigating or monitoring such individuals
or organisations.</p></li></ol><p>An example of ‘undermining parliamentary democracy’
would be if the vetting candidate disclosed that a family member had historic links
to violent extremist groups.</p><p> </p>
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