The Conservative leader has called for a cross-party effort to engage the Muslim community in social integration.

Speaking at prime minister's questions on Wednesday, David Cameron said Tony Blair was right to call earlier this week for Muslim leaders to do more to prevent Islamic extremism and isolation.

However ahead of the first anniversary of the July 7 suicide attacks on London, Cameron said "we all have a role to play" in integration and called for a "national and ambitious programme" of engagement.

The Tory chief said the scheme should include youth volunteering and exchange programmes and have the support of all political parties "right from the start".

Blair replied that he agreed with the need for all parts of society to help integrate Muslims and prevent terrorism.

And he stressed that his comments to MPs on the Commons liaison committee, in which he appeared to criticise Muslim leaders, had been misinterpreted.

The prime minister clarified that he believes politicians and others also have a role to play and should do more.

Compensation

Earlier, Cameron called for faster payments for the victims of the London bombings.

"The whole country will be remembering the 52 people of all faiths and none who were killed," he said ahead of the anniversary on Friday.

He said it was unacceptable that many of the over 500 victims were still awaiting compensation.

"Those people should not have to wait for so long" he said.

Blair said he "entirely agreed" that "those people should not have to wait for longer than is necessary".