Britain’s way

Britain has begun a discussion on its policy of multiculturalism, where the state pledges to protect the rights and privileges of all citizens irrespective of their colour, race or religion. The policy has come in for strong criticism. Some have argued that fanatics who preach hatred against the Anglo-Saxon way of life had abused British multiculturalism. Those who had chosen to make Britain their home needed to conform, not criticise. The counter-argument is that middle-class, middle-aged White Britain needs to make more effort to make the ethnic minorities welcome.

Despite these differences, the entire political opposition in the British Parliament stood united behind the government to pass more stringent anti-terror laws. Human rights activists and Left leaning liberals all feel the need for such a law as the only way out. They argue that even though every British citizen has rights, the over-riding right that transcends all individuals ones is that of the state to protect its people.

Britain’s homegrown terrorists have thrown up long-term challenges to race and religious relations in this truly cosmopolitan and multicultural society. How the British society faces up to its challenges is for us to see. But there is no doubt that both society and the police deserve support in the arduous task that confronts them. Their definition of terrorists as criminals and not Muslims has helped maintain race relations in these troubled times. It is a strategy worthy of being followed by other countries dealing with crimes that a handful commits but which sadly tarnish the entire community.

The writer is a visiting fellow at Harvard University