There are many issues facing Muslims in the world today. These range from an educational and intellectual lethargy on the one hand to the increase in violent radicalisation on the other. It is important to bear in mind the possible negative consequences of these issues upon our non-Muslim neighbours and efforts need to be made, therefore, to address such issues in order to prevent the “Clash of Civilisations” from becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. In this task the role of Muslims in the West is of vital importance.

A lack of inspirational role models can be a factor in young people becoming vulnerable to extremist messages. That's why we will support more mentoring projects that reach out to those that are vulnerable and disaffected using successful local business leaders, religious and youth leaders, and academics. We as a Government need to make sure we are supporting the solutions that come from communities themselves.”

The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government