Fighting extremism

Thursday, 17 Jan 2008 12:00

Blears: Struggle will take generations

Thursday, 17, Jan 2008 12:00

The battle against Islamic extremism will be "long-term work", communities secretary Hazel Blears has warned.

Her comments came after Cabinet colleague Jacqui Smith made her first major speech on radicalisation since becoming home secretary last year.

Ms Blears, speaking on BBC2's Daily Politics programme, said she did not pretend the fight against extremism would be won "overnight".

"It is a long-term challenge for us and there is an extensive amount of work going on. This is happening in Birmingham, in Leeds, in Luton, up and down the country," she said.

"I think we need to carry on with the work we are doing. We need to deepen it, we need to make it happen in more places and we need to engage more women and more young Muslims in the community and get their voices heard."

Conservatives: Extremism measures come too late

Blears: Struggle will take generations

Smith: Long-term challenge needs tackling

Progressive Vision: Internet clampdown unworkable

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