British Govt schools to appoint imams to tackle extremism

Britain will draft imams born on its soil into state schools to teach children about Islam.

Britain will draft imams born on its soil into state schools to teach children about Islam in an effort to tackle religious extremism in the country.

This is part of the government’s “Prevent” strategy aimed at weeding out extremism before it takes root. Ed Balls, the Schools Secretary said that a minority of children could be at risk from extremists.

In an article for The Times educational Supplement, Balls said that extremists played on fears, ignorance and prejudice. “Education can be a powerful weapon against this,” he said. In an effort to allay fears that imams taking part in the scheme could themselves be spreading extremist doctrine, education chiefs will be required to look into the political background of individuals and any organisations invited through the school gates.

Story continues below this ad

Also the imams will have to be British born as the government believes they can tackle faith issues in the context of rights of neighbours, the sacredness of life and the importance of equal opportunities.

“In selecting individuals to work with schools will only work with those who uphold our shared values of tolerance, respect and equality and who reject and condemn violent extremism,” a government spokesman said.

Uttarakhand rain: 12 in Chamoli go missing as buildings collapse, rescue ops underway

India1 hr ago

At least 12 people have gone missing in Uttarakhand after a rainfall-triggered debris slide hit Nandnagar of Chamoli district early on Thursday, bringing down several buildings. The administration and rescue teams have reached the spot to search for the missing individuals.

View all shorts

Live Blog