Anti-terror strategy an insult, say Muslim police

The National Association of Muslim Police said the Prevent strategy – designed to stop the spread of violent extremism – was “stigmatising” Muslims by focusing on “so-called Islamic extremism”, the Daily Telegraph said.

In a submission to the Commons Communities and Local Government Committee, posted on the committee’s website, it said that the focus on Muslim communities ignored the threat from far-right groups.

“It can be argued that there is a connection in the rise of Islamophobia and our Prevent programme as it feeds on the stereotypes that the media and some right wing parties promote, i.e. all Muslims are evil and non trustworthy,” it said.

“Our British system is a model for the world to follow, yet we have embarked on a journey that has put this very core of British values under real threat.

“The hatred towards Muslims has grown to a level that defies all logic and is an affront to British values.

“We must not diminish our British values further by continuing to allow such behaviour and policies to continue unchecked.”