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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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Minister: Criticism of letter is 'disappointing'

A minster has hit back at criticism of a letter sent to mosques in England, insisting it had an "explicit message" of togetherness with the Muslim community.

Muslim leaders have questioned the message in Eric Pickles' letter. Credit: Reuters

Harun Khan, from the Muslim Council of Britain, has challenged Communities Secretary Eric Pickles for writing to more than 1,000 leaders asking them to do more to tackle the radicalisation of young people.

Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Lord Ahmad said: "I think his response is disappointing.

"Within the letter there is an explicit paragraph that says British values are Muslim values. You can't be more explicit than that.

"Perhaps he wasn't clear in what the letter said but if you have seen a copy of the letter ... it has been pretty explicit that we want to work together with the Muslim community."

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David Cameron rejects criticism of extremism letter

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