Benali Hamdache: 'We need a joined-up approach towards building a cohesive and inclusive society'

21 July 2015

Reacting to Prime Minister David Cameron speech on extremism, Benali Hamdache, Green Party Equalities Spokesperson, said: 

“The government’s counter-extremism strategy risks fuelling the stereotyping, victimising and marginalisation of Muslim communities in Britain. 

"Extremists are trying to drive a wedge between British citizens, stirring hatred and distrust rather than promoting peace, harmony and good will. Hate crimes are on the rise. Abusive letters are being sent to places of Muslim places of worship. Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech yesterday (July 21) is highly unlikely to improve community relations. Cameron has seemingly rejected the possibility that global injustice, poverty and war are what fuel the rise of global extremism. Instead he has pointed the finger at an extreme group of people and then attempted to tar an entire culture with the same brush. 

“To prevent the rise of extremism we must do more to provide everyone with the chance to feel valued and to thrive in the UK. We need to be consistent in our support of democracy and civil liberties both at home and abroad. Blindly supporting brutal regimes like Saudi Arabia fuel, rather than diminish, extremism. We need a joined-up approach towards building a cohesive and inclusive society and Cameron’s plans need drastic revision”

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