Warsi vows Islamophobia battle

Thursday, 20 January 2011 11:00 PM

By Alex Stevenson

Conservative co-chairman Sayeeda Warsi has pledged an "ongoing battle against bigotry".

The first Muslim woman to attend at Cabinet, where she sits as minister without portfolio, used a speech to the University of Leicester to criticise what she sees as the increasingly intolerant attitudes towards religion in Britain.

She said the division between "moderate" and "extremist" Muslims is making matters worse, not better.

"It's not a big leap of imagination to predict where the talk of 'moderate' Muslims leads; in the factory, where they've just hired a Muslim worker, the boss says to his employees: 'Not to worry, he's only fairly Muslim'," she said.

"In the school, the kids say: 'The family next door are Muslim but they're not too bad'.

"And in the road, as a woman walks past wearing a burkha, the passers-by think: 'That woman's either oppressed or is making a political statement'."

Baroness Warsi argued that Islamophobia is now normal and accepted in British society, in that it has "passed the dinner-table test".

Her speech applied pressure on Britain's Muslim communities to do more to ensure that it castigates its radicalised elements.

"Those who commit criminal acts of terrorism in our country need to be dealt with not just by the full force of the law," she added.

"They also should face social rejection and alienation across society and their acts must not be used as an opportunity to tar all Muslims."

Baroness Warsi's speech was seen as a major step forward in the coalition's approach to religion. It marks a fresh start after New Labour sought to avoid addressing faith issues in its 13 years in power.

Her comments came shortly after it emerged US pastor Terry Jones has been barred from the UK.

The preacher had called for copies of the Koran to be burned on the anniversary of the September 11th bombings. "The government opposes extremism in all its forms," a Home Office spokesperson said.

Ghaffar Hussain, of anti-extremism organisation Quilliam, said: "It is heartening to see the British government taking action to address the problem of bigotry and prejudice against Muslims.

"While freedom to criticise religions or aspect of religious belief or practice should be defended, we should not tolerate the stirring up of hatred or suspicion against individuals or groups of people simply on account of their religion."

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