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Reid speech disrupted by hecklers | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Home Secretary John Reid has called on British Muslims to do more to help root out potential extremists. | |
In a speech Mr Reid asked Muslim parents to keep a close eye on their children and act if they suspect they are being radicalised by extremists. | |
The comments reflect government frustration that not enough has been done since the 7 July London bombings. | |
His speech was interrupted by a Muslim heckler who said he was "furious" about "state terrorism by British police". | |
Some Muslim leaders have concerns and, last month, urged a change in UK foreign policy. | |
Key role | Key role |
It was Mr Reid's first speech to a Muslim audience since he became home secretary in May. | |
During his trip to east London, which also involved a visit to a mosque, he said that community and religious leaders can play a key role in the fight against terrorism. | |
The home secretary said "our fight is not with Muslims generally". Instead, he said, there was a "struggle against extremism". | |
"Our battle is with those terrorists who have no respect for human life, equality or the democratic process," he said. | |
He spoke of there being a "conflict of values" between "terrorists on one side" and most of "modern civilisation" on the other. | |
Mr Reid did not tell Muslim parents to report their concerns to the police but wants them to confront their children's behaviour and talk to them. | |
And he reminded his audience that many of those killed in al-Qaeda attacks have been Muslims. | |
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The home secretary added that the fight against terrorism is a fight to defend common values. | |
In an open letter last month, some Muslims leaders said British foreign policy was putting civilians at increased risk in the UK and abroad. | In an open letter last month, some Muslims leaders said British foreign policy was putting civilians at increased risk in the UK and abroad. |
Mr Reid described the letter, signed by three Muslim MPs, three peers and 38 organisations, as a "dreadful misjudgement". | Mr Reid described the letter, signed by three Muslim MPs, three peers and 38 organisations, as a "dreadful misjudgement". |
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Tony Blair said the government alone could not root out extremism in Muslim communities and defeat the terrorism it creates. | |
After the 7 July attacks last year, ministers organised national roadshows targeting fanaticism. | After the 7 July attacks last year, ministers organised national roadshows targeting fanaticism. |