New counter extremism measures provoke mixed reaction in Bradford

Yesterday, Prime Minister David Cameron set out his intention to include a new counter-extremism bill in his Queen's Speech later this month.

It is expected to include banning orders for extremist organisations who use hate speech in public places, measures to tackle charities which misappropriate funds towards terrorism and powers to close premises where extremists seek to influence others.

Mr Cameron said Britain had to confront "head-on the poisonous Islamist extremist ideology".

He said: "For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens: as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone.

"It's often meant we have stood neutral between different values. And that's helped foster a narrative of extremism and grievance."

But Ratna Lachman, director of racial justice organisation Just West Yorkshire, warned the Government's approach to counter-extremism was "likely to alienate Muslims".

She said: "Contrary to the impression that the Conservatives are opening up a new front against Islamist extremist ideology, the UK has been implementing measures to counter extremism since the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in America in 2001.

"The fact that over 500 Britons have left the UK to join ISIS demonstrates that current approaches have failed.

"It is disappointing that the incoming Tory government is not seeking practical solutions which would entail working with young people in prisons, community settings and schools and developing counter-narratives over the social media.

"Instead by giving the impression that British values are under siege, the policy is likely to alienate Muslims and lead to the erosion of civil liberties and human rights in the name of countering extremism and terrorism."

Labour's Bradford East MP Imran Hussain said: "It seems these are being rushed through without the thought and time and scrutiny needed of some very important legislation.

"When you are talking about mosque banning orders, I have grave concerns. I think we could potentially not have the desired outcome, and alienate the Muslim community.

"I am awaiting the detail and I will give it full scrutiny. Mosques in Bradford are places of worship and we know we have no issues."

Labour's Bradford West MP Naz Shah said: "From what I can see, it's the usual scaremongering Tory rhetoric."

But she added that the devil would be in the detail, and said if the proposals endangered people's human rights or freedom of speech, "I will certainly be there to challenge it".

The district's two Conservative MPs backed the Prime Minister's stance.

Tory MP for Shipley, Philip Davies, said: "We have in the past been too tolerant of people who have no allegiance to the UK, and it is vital that we end the politically correct culture of allowing people to live here without learning English and without fitting into a British way of life or accepting our values.

"If that is what the Prime Minister will tackle then he will have my wholehearted support."

And Kris Hopkins, Conservative MP for Keighley, added: "Extremism is a cancer in our society which must be cut out.

"It is absolutely right that we equip the relevant authorities with the powers they need to deal forcibly with those individuals who spread division and bitter hatred of our values and ideals, and cut off their sources of funding.

"I believe these measures will have widespread support."

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South, could not be reached for comment yesterday.