Anger as Home Secretary outlines new proposals to tackle Islamic extremists who 'reject our values'

In a speech, she outlined a series of proposals, including an investigation of Sharia law, the promotion of 'British values', stricter English language requirements and a review of supplementary schools such as madrassas, in her last major speech before the start of the General Election campaign.

Her speech has sparked anger in Bradford, with one of the district's MPs, George Galloway, labelling it a "declaration of political war on the Muslim community".

Mrs May stressed that the "overwhelming majority" of people in Britain "accept and positively cherish" democracy, equality and freedom of speech.

"But there is increasing evidence that a small but significant number of people living in Britain - almost all of whom are British citizens - reject our values," she added.

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She said extremism cannot "just be ignored" but "must be tackled head-on".

Among a range of far-reaching measures, Mrs May proposed: - An independent figure to investigate the application of Sharia law in England - A "positive" campaign to promote British values - Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary to inspect the police response to honour crimes, female genital mutilation and forced marriage - A sharp reduction in funding for translation services and a funding boost for English language training Respect leader and Bradford West MP Mr Galloway said: "Her speech was intended to inflame Islamophobia. It was intended to get grotty votes by kicking Britain's Muslims. That's why I'm so angry about it."

David Ward, Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford East, said Mrs May's message was "dangerous", when the vast majority of British Muslims had nothing whatsoever to do with extremism.

He asked why Mrs May was calling on Britain to get tough on extremism, as if it hadn't been doing so already.

Both Mr Galloway and Mr Ward raised concerns that Mrs May had referenced the so-called Trojan Horse plot in Birmingham schools, when a select committee had found no evidence of radicalisation.

And Ratna Lachman, director of racial justice organisation Just West Yorkshire, said despite talk of upholding 'British values', the proposals for 'banning orders' against extremist groups, and 'extremist disruption orders' could ultimately undermine civil liberties.

She said: "The tone and content of the speech is unlikely to win the Muslim community over because it creates clear faultlines between a Muslim ‘us and a ‘non-Muslim’ them."

But Mrs May's Conservative colleague, Shipley MP Phil Davies said: “If she is absolutely serious about tackling the politically correct culture we have seen for too long, she will have my whole-hearted support.

“What we have seen is bending over backwards to, in effect, not require people to fit into the British way of life. That is completely unacceptable."

Keighley Conservative MP Kris Hopkins said: “I support the Home Secretary’s comments. Extremism cannot and will not be tolerated, and those promoting hatred must be subject to the full rigours of the law."