'Government and Muslims must do more to tackle extremism'

Last updated at 16:24 14 August 2006


The Government and Muslim communities both had to do more as they step up the "battle of hearts and minds" against Islamic extremism, Community Secretary Ruth Kelly said today.

Speaking after more than three hours of talks with Muslim leaders Ms Kelly acknowledged there were "different views" over aspects of Government policy.

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There had been a series of "sharp and challenging exchanges" which had been "very constructive and forward looking", she said.

"There is a battle of hearts and minds to be won within the Muslim community, working with the Muslim community to take on the terrorist and extremist elements that are sometimes found within it, not just in the Muslim community, but elsewhere as well."

Ms Kelly said she had discussed ways of making sure that if there was frustration, there were "democratic channels for that to be vented".

Since the most recent terror arrests, the Government and Muslim leaders were trying to boost the more relevant aspects of the action plan drawn up in the wake of the 7/7 attacks, she added.

She said: "We have all got to step up to the challenge. We have got to work together.

"Yes, the Muslim community has got to do more, yes we as Government have got more to do."

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