Fighting extremism

Extremist ideology underpinning ISIS has 'wide support among Muslims', says Tony Blair

The former Labour prime minister claimed millions of young Muslims are taught a version of the religion that is "dangerous".

Speaking at the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York, Mr Blair said while only a small percentage join groups such as Islamic State (ISIS), extreme views are widespread and must be tackled.

He said: "The conspiracy theories which illuminate much of the jihadi writings have significant support even amongst parts of the mainstream population of some Muslim countries.

"There are millions of school children every day in countries round the world - not just in the Middle East - who are taught a view of the world and of their religion which is narrow-minded, prejudicial and therefore in the context of a globalised world, dangerous."

Fighting extremism

End this passive tolerance of hate: Our fear of causing offence means Islamic extremism is allowed to flourish, says Cameron

David Cameron yesterday launched a blistering attack on the 'passive tolerance' of Islamist extremism and a failure to integrate that has put Britain 'in danger'.

The Prime Minister said there were parts of the UK where 'you can get by without ever speaking English or meeting anyone from another culture', and announced new powers to close down religious schools, or madrassas, which children attend before or after school.

To loud applause at the Tory conference, Mr Cameron warned: 'For too long, we've been so frightened of causing offence that we haven't looked hard enough at what is going on in our communities.

'This passive tolerance has turned us into a less integrated country; it's put our children in danger. It is unforgiveable.'