Press Release - 4 July 2006

QED calls on Government to tackle Muslim extremism by addressing social exclusion

Leading development charity, QED-UK is calling on the government to tackle Muslim extremism by addressing core community problems such as poverty, lack of education and social exclusion as the first anniversary of the 7 July bomb attacks in London approaches.

Chief executive of QED-UK, Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, says:

"There is comprehensive evidence that a majority of Muslim communities suffer high levels of social exclusion. A recent government-sponsored report by four leading British universities found that half of all British Muslims aged over 25 are unemployed and one in three live in the most deprived parts of England."

"Under these circumstances, already vulnerable communities may feel threatened and you find the perfect conditions for extremists - who exist in all communities - to be seized upon and exploited."

"The government must promote positive messages about Islam and show it is taking serious steps to address the educational, social and economic problems in Muslim communities to ensure that we never have another 7/7."

Dr Ali's comments echo the concerns highlighted by Labour MP, Sadiq Khan, yesterday who criticised the government over its failure to fully engage with Muslim communities.

QED-UK believes that opening dialogue with communities is vital to understand their fears and beliefs and will help in the fight on the 'War on Terror'.

Dr Ali continues: "The government must take every opportunity to engage with all vulnerable communities. Working closely with local groups and community leaders will ease tensions and address fears that Muslim communities in particular are being criminalised. It will also help the police gather better intelligence and work more successfully to prevent future terrorist attacks. Building community cohesion is vital to prevent a repetition of the events of last July."

To interview Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, contact Simon Collister by telephoning 01423 567111 (07971612857 out-of-hours). Alternatively email: simon@cicada-pr.com

Notes to editors:

• QED-UK is a leading economic development charity working with the UK's ethnic minorities. Its main aim is to bring about social cohesion through the education and training of disadvantaged communities.
  
  
• It is currently supporting 250 public, private and voluntary sector employers to improve the ethnic composition of their workforce to reflect the society in which we live.
  
  
• Over the next decade half the growth in working population with be from ethnic minority communities.
  
  
• QED is a leading economic development charity working with the UK's ethnic minorities. Its main aim is to bring about social cohesion through the education and training of disadvantaged communities.
  
  
• In 2006 both Bradford and Leeds will have Lord Mayors from Muslim backgrounds.