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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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Ex-chief rabbi 'understands Muslim leaders' frustrations'

Former chief rabbi Lord Sacks says he understands the frustrations of Muslim leaders who feel they are being held responsible for dealing with the radicalisation of young people.

Lord Sacks said he believed the letter was well-intentioned but understood frustrations. Credit: PA Wire

Lord Sacks' comments come amid a row over a Government letter asking Islamic leaders to do more to tackle extremism.

"The problem is ... that letter suggested that the Muslim community within Britain can contain its own radicals," he told the BBC.

"The truth is that Islamism, like all modern global political movements, is actually a global phenomenon - transmitted by the internet, transmitted by social media - and so I would not be surprised if the Muslim community didn't say 'You're asking of us something that is not under our control'.

"I am absolutely sure that the Government was incredibly well-intentioned - Lord Ahmad and Eric Pickles are terrific people - but I can kind of see that Muslim communities said 'Why are you pointing the finger of blame at us?'."

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David Cameron rejects criticism of extremism letter

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