Anger over Muslim event 'ban' on top Tory

A senior Liberal Democrat yesterday described the decision to reportedly ban Conservative Party chairman Baroness Warsi from attending a leading Muslim conference as "unfortunate".

Baroness Warsi, the most senior Muslim Tory, had been due to attend the Global Peace and Unity (GPU) event in London yesterday.

But the Observer newspaper reported she had been banned from attending by the Prime Minister David Cameron, as the party argues on the best strategy to deal with extremism.

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Speaking at the event which celebrates faith, Liberal Democrat deputy leader, Simon Hughes said the decision was "unfortunate".

In a veiled attack on the move he told an audience: "I want to make it very clear that we are privileged to accept this invitation."

He added: "I'm aware that some people say this conference, this event is controversial, I have a message to you and to my colleagues in Parliament.

"I always believe that it is better for people of every background to engage with the Muslim community, not to walk away from the Muslim community.

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"I always believe that we do better by dialogue rather than silence."

Leading Muslims went further in their condemnation.

Sir Iqbal Sacranie, chairman of Muslim Aid, said the decision was "difficult and sad".

He said: "This is really contradictory, it is something that goes totally against the ethos of bringing communities together and engagement."

Liberal Democrat Andrew Stunell represented the Coalition Government at the event as the Communities Minister. But organisers said nobody from the Tories was present.

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The Government refused to be drawn on whether Baroness Warsi had been banned from attending.

A spokeswoman from the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "Andrew Stunell is attending as the Minister in charge of integration and inter-faith relations.

"He will make clear that the coalition Government will not tolerate extremism, hatred or intolerance in any form."