Sir, Thank you to all the scholars and leaders of the Muslim community who have expressed so clearly their abhorrence of the actions of those who carried out the recent attacks.

While a student at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, I had the privilege of visiting the Mosque and sharing food and conversation with worshippers. I am certain that, whatever their views may be about international military and political affairs, they would never condone terrorist acts of the kind we have witnessed. Many lives have been blighted, not least those of the families of the perpetrators.

While some Imams may bear responsibility for corrupting the minds of susceptible young people, I hope that the British community as a whole will recognise that many others work tirelessly to foster understanding and goodwill among followers of all faiths and none. I also hope that there will not be a backlash against the Muslim community from supporters of some parts of the political spectrum who would use the incidents as justification for their own divisive attitudes.

It is an indisputable fact that Britain is now a society made up people from many different ethnic and faith backgrounds, and that is not going to change. Our only hope for a peaceful future for everyone is through dialogue and mutual understanding – not through violence, ignorance and hatred.

Yours
George Clements
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