Whilst policy-makers argue about who is to cause for ‘rising levels’ of extremism – the online battle between Muslim groups, organisations and commentators in the UK has gathered pace.

‘Muslim spokespersons’ and their ardent critics have gone head to head again on Twitter. 

There have been some fierce Twitter exchanges following recent news items and at the wrong end of the spectrum tend to be the likes of Maajid Nawaz and Sara Khan.

This week after allegations that a Tory MP had been attempting to stage manage a mosque protest alongside the EDL, Qulliam Foundation Co-Founder and Director Maajid Nawaz had to defend himself again.

The accusation was that Tory MP Afzal Amin met with Tommy Robinson through an introduction by Maajid Nawaz. Prompting the former EDL leader to come to his... (no pun intended here) ...defence.

 

 

The Afzal Amin affair though brought out a level of criticism for other Muslim spokes people.

Inspire Director Saira Khan, hits back at accusations on a blog.

 

 

Maajid who is also parliamentary candidate for the Lib Dems in Hampstead & Kilburn spoke of his frustrations at being targeted over and over again. 

 


 ‘Islamist’ certainly does seem to be the word of the moment though. Telegraph Writer Andrew Gilligan found himself the target of a ‘Twitter Storm’ after accusing pro-democracy groups YouElect and Mend (Muslim Engagement and Development)  as "clever fronts" to win political access and influence for Islamists.
 
The response from MEND the campaign group was damning who tweeted: 

"Shock horror, British Muslims are encouraging voting and active participation in democracy. Thanks Gilligan for exposing that!"

YouElect were a little more subtle..
 

 

Then they decided to raise a Pakistani flag in Rochdale.

 

 

 

 

and Katie Hopkins couldn’t resist herself.

 

 

And from Mohammed Shafiq...

 

With an election on the horizon...watch this space.