British PM unveils new plan to tackle extremism
Updated: 2015-07-21 10:57
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
Cameron promised to give the ethnic minorities more opportunities and power to make them feel they have "a real stake" in society.
The prime minister also used the speech to challenge the idea that Western meddling in the Middle East is to blame for the rise in extremism.
"Some argue it's because of historic injustices and recent wars, or because of poverty and hardship. This argument, what I call the grievance justification, must be challenged," he said, arguing that the root cause of the extremist threat is "the extremist ideology itself."
However, political observers warned that Cameron's speech could potentially ignite controversy among religious groups who may believe the new principles could be counter-productive and further alienate Muslim communities.
In response to Cameron's speech, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said in a statement: "Challenging extremist ideology is what we all want, but we need to define tightly and closely what extremism is rather than perpetuate a deep misunderstanding of Islam and rhetoric, which inevitably facilitates extremists to thrive."
"We worry, however, that these latest suggestions will set new litmus tests which may brand us all as extremists, even though we uphold and celebrate the rule of law, democracy and rights for all.
Dissenting is a proud tradition of ours that must not be driven underground," the statement added.
"Above all we need to allow for real political issues to be discussed and debated robustly and not drive our youth underground for fear of being cast extremist," the MCB said.
- A New Era in US-Cuba Relations Begins
- Eat the 'flesh' of 'Monk Xuanzang' at this shop
- The dying of craft of repairing pans
- The world in photos: July 13 - 19
- Rains leave Beijing's streets flooded, force evacuation
- Grandfathers' model life on the Lijiang River
- Across America over the week (July 10- July 16)
- Unusual but true: inspirational art lights the way
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Seventh China-US strategic dialogue |
Premier Li embarks on Latin America visit |
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Spring Festival trends reflect a changing China |
Today's Top News
UN Security Council endorses Iran nuclear deal
US, Cuba set to reboot relations after split
Mayor to turn Zhanjiang into green economic powerhouse
Private firms' access to arms sector widens
Student pleads guilty to cheating
China faults Japan's new security bills
Chinese national pleads guilty in Pennsylvania to test-taking scam
Web companies asked to support 'digital Silk Road': Zhanjiang forum
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |