The government has been accused of “stigmatising” and “demonising” the muslim community in its efforts to tackle extremism after last year’s July 7th bombings.
Muhammad Abdul Bari, head of the muslim Council of Britain (MCB), has written to communities minister Ruth Kelly warning of a “veritable regular drip-fee of ministerial statements stigmatising an entire community”.
And yesterday Labour peer Lord Ahmed, Britain’s first muslim peer, warned it had become fashionable among ministers to “have a go at the muslims”.
Their comments come after Ms Kelly last week announced government funding would be withheld from muslim organisations that did not take a proactive role in tackling extremism, and reports today that universities would be urged to spy on Muslim students.
A leaked document seen by the Guardian suggests lecturers and staff will be asked to inform on “Asian-looking” and muslim students amid fears that British universities are being targeted by extremists.
The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has rejected the article as “inaccurate” and said that although guidance was being developed, it was “pure speculation” to say what it will include.
And today, Ms Kelly will use a meeting with local authorities to stress the need for all communities to take action against extremism, not just muslims.
But in his letter, Mr Bari cited her comments last week, the increased use of stop and search among muslims, John Reid’s call for Muslim parents to watch out for extremism in their children and the row over the veil as proof his community was being singled out.
Resist comment. muslims complain they are being unfairly criticised. Have they ever wondered why. Could it be something to do with the fact that:1. They've committed more acts of terrorism in the UK than any other group.
2. They've groomed and gang-raped underage girls for years.
3. Their treatment of women is appalling. 4. They've used the UK to launder billions of pounds.5. They're trying to usurp UK institutions to instal evil islamic ones.