Charles Kennedy

Liberal Democrats | Ross Skye & Lochaber

Kennedy: Collective Resolve Needed To Tackle Extremism

After meeting with the Prime Minister, Michael Howard and representatives from the Muslim community at Downing Street, Charles Kennedy commented:

“Today's discussions confirmed for me that a much-needed collective resolve to win round the very few in the British Muslim communities who are susceptible to misguided, extreme and criminal activities in the name of their beliefs will have to be centrally driven but locally delivered.

I welcome today’s initial discussions and believe that the establishment of a Task Force - one which addresses religious, political and community concerns is a positive step forward. The Liberal Democrats will continue to play a significant role nationally and at a local level.

In particular, a key focus of our actions must be these young men who appear most susceptible to taking extreme actions, and it is correct that the Metropolitan Police are now looking towards building up the role of the Muslim Safety Forum, as well as encourage more Muslims to offer themselves for police recruitment. The role of a responsible opposition party over issues like these is to offer a responsible contribution without abandoning our critical faculties. As we are demonstrating over proposed legislation, that shall remain the approach of the Liberal Democrats.”