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David Cameron rejects criticism of extremism letter

David Cameron has defended a letter sent to Muslim leaders asking them to do more to prevent young people being radicalised, saying anyone who opposes it "really has a problem".

The Muslim Council of Britain has called on Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to clarify his request, and asked if, like "members of the far right", he was suggesting that Islam is inherently apart from British society.

Mr Cameron said the letter, sent to more than 1,000 Islamic leaders in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, was "reasonable, sensible and moderate".

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Arrests for terrorism-related crimes up by a third

The number of people arrested over suspected terrorist activity shot up by almost a third last year, according to the country's top counter-terrorism police chief.

And anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim attacks are among his main causes for concern.

Mark Rowley said anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim attacks are among his main causes for concern Credit: PA

Scotland Yard Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the National Policing Lead for Counter Terrorism, revealed that there were 327 arrests in 2014 for terrorist offences - up by 32 per cent since 2013.

In a briefing given after last week's attacks in Paris, Mr Rowley said the "global picture" of extremist activity had raised serious concerns for the safety of the UK's Jewish community, with "continuing anti-Semitic rhetoric" emerging.

We remain alert to the vulnerabilities of other communities. Where we do have particular concerns, we make these known to those involved.

For example, we continue to be alive to those who want to exploit the current situation and create fear in our Muslim communities, with whom we work closely, to offer our protection and reassurance.

– Mark Rowley, National Policing Lead for Counter Terrorism
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David Cameron rejects criticism of extremism letter

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