It probably took several months of research for the Government to produce an anti-extremism plan. Whilst in elements the plans do look to engage with British Muslims does it actually tackle the underlying causes of extremism? 

It is quite clear that the common theme today seemed to be that ‘Muslim extremism’ is entrenched within the community and it must be rooted out. It is also startling that today in the mainstream press some common sense comments were actually being attributed to fringe organisations. And if Muslims are beginning to now agree with those fringe elements we may well have problems.

How about the following additions to the counter–extremism strategy:

1) Don’t engage with the organisations that appease you politically

A common error with successive governments is that they are only likely to engage with organisations that will look to support plans regardless of how controversial they are. For many this harks back to the days when ‘Muslim community leaders’ tended to carry out consultations only for the purpose for furthering their own careers. The mouth pieces may have changed but the tactic is exactly the same. Just because an organisation or an individual chooses to criticise the government on specific issue does not mean it should be sidelined from future consultations. Muslims are not one homogonous group and one group does represent the views of many in the religion. 

2)  Supporting causes in foreign lands does not make you extreme

Some Muslims groups and individuals who have been vocal on specific international issues may well be a little concerned with comments made by David Cameron today. Are we at a tipping point here? For instance, will supporting causes in Gaza and highlighting crimes by the Israeli army soon be seen as ‘extremist’.  And what if one is to support other international causes which may contradict the support we as a nation give that regime? Of course, if you call for supporting the criminals and murderers of IS and other terrorist organisations then you are clearly someone who is breaking the law. 

3)  Shoddy journalism causes Islamphobia

It is not enough to ask broadcasters to stop interviewing ‘extremist’ commentators. If a newspaper prints a Muslim related story for the sole benefit of causing resentment to Muslims then the publisher needs to be held to account.  One of the most common concerns for many British Muslims, is that regardless of how much good work they aim to highlight it will not be featured in the mainstream press. Essentially the publisher only wishes to expose a distinct narrative of Muslims and it does.
It is also quite clear that some mainstream press organisations are not interested how integrated Muslims are. What matters is that they are Muslim. This is a dangerous and extremely worrying phenomenon which has taken hold in some newsrooms and no...that is no conspiracy theory.

4)    Integration is a two-way thing

We are quite right to state that certain areas are segregated and some Muslims are keen to ensure that it stays that way. They are happy for things to stay that way as it helps them maintain that level of control within their own communities. But we cannot discount the fact that Muslims are one of the most integrated communities in the UK. Many social commentators do not wish to state the obvious – It is middle-class white families that are most likely to move out of areas where ethnic minorities move in. And you will find even middle-class Muslims moving into more affluent areas are finding other communities slowly moving out. Integration?

5)    Muslims expect the laws to be applied equally on all occasions

British Muslims do not want special treatment. They are not afraid of condemning murderers and are keen to tackle the 'enemy within'.  But a huge resentment for many Muslims is this ‘extremism’ label. One can quite easily be  labelled an extremist for simply being a Muslim whilst a non-Muslim who carries out the same act is labelled otherwise.  We are proud to state our love for British values but what happens when that call for values is not levelled at all organisations and individuals?  This in turn causes resentment.