Kelly calls for raised game from authorities in fight against extremism

BRITISH Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly yesterday urged council leaders to raise their game in the fight against extremism.

After talks with 17 local authorities and police chiefs, she said everybody had a part to play in responding to the extremist threat.

“We have a shared responsibility and must all raise our efforts to a new level — central government, local government, community organisations and individual communities themselves,” she said.

Councils will be required to present strategies within weeks setting out how they intend to prevent radicalisation in their communities.

Ms Kelly also refused to back down on moves to withdraw Government support for Muslim groups that failed to take a leading role in tackling extremism.

But she said the Government was “absolutely committed” to working with Muslim organisations with a “genuine commitment” to pluralism.

Writing to Muhammad Abdul Bari, head of the Muslim Council of Britain, Ms Kelly rejected claims that ministers would not work with those who disagreed with Government policy.

But she said: “I don’t accept that those in leadership positions can be passive in tackling extremism and yet expect government support.”

Her letter followed Dr Bari’s criticism that ministers were “marginalising” Muslims with comments such as Jack Straw’s suggestion that Muslim women should remove their veils.

There were also concerns yesterday about proposals to ask university lecturers to report students they suspect of extremist activity.