Foreign Office Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan echoes Nigel Farage’s concerns about a minority of British Muslims challenging UK values amid controversy over the government’s proposed compulsory national service program. Here’s the full story.
How Not to Launch a Policy
In a surprising turn of events that will no doubt, one day, be studied by political science students as a perfect example of how not to launch a policy, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent announcement that he will reintroduce national service if elected has snowballed into a contentious debate over the apparent loyalty of British Muslims.
“Stronger National Culture”
The plan, promoted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s party, aims to build a “stronger national culture” through a 12-month placement with the armed forces, cyber defence, or a commitment to community volunteering.
“Don’t Mix”
Home Secretary James Cleverly stated the program would help teenagers who, he claimed, “don’t mix with people of different religions. They don’t mix with different viewpoints.”
“Do Not Subscribe to British Values”
Sunak’s plan, which has been widely condemned as poorly thought out, unworkable and expensive, led to an interview on Sky News with Reform UK’s honorary president, Nigel Farage, who stated that a growing number of young people in the UK, particularly Muslims, “do not subscribe to British values” and “loathe much of what we stand for.”
“Support a Terrorist Organisation”
To back up his inflammatory claims, Farage cited a poll from the right-wing think tank, the Henry Jackson Society, in which he said, “I’m afraid I found some of the recent surveys saying that 46% of British Muslims support Hamas – support a terrorist organisation that is proscribed in this country.”
“Propaganda Outfit”
The Henry Jackson Society is a right-leaning, neoliberal think tank whose co-founder, Matthew Jamison, said it had become a “propaganda outfit to smear other cultures, religions and ethnic groups.”
Widely Condemned
Speaking on LBC Radio, Foreign Office Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan agreed with some aspects of Farage’s widely condemned claims.
“Community Minded People”
Trevelyan stated, “The vast proportion of British Muslims are wonderful, peace-loving, community-minded people, certainly in the North East where I’m based, we have fantastic communities and they are a really important part of our social fabric.”
“Very Small Proportion”
She continued, “There are a very small proportion for whom they want to challenge those values that we hold dear in the UK, which are British values, and there we need to continue to work in community to bring those people to this.”
“Those Who Would Threaten”
Finally, she added, “The UK has incredible values of freedom of speech, freedom of choice … these are incredibly important values, but they have to be nurtured and looked after, and where there are those who would threaten them we need to make sure that we deal with that.”
“Incendiary Rhetoric”
Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson strongly criticised Farage’s remarks, which she said were an example of “incendiary rhetoric.”
“Dedicated Individuals”
Phillipson told LBC Radio, “What I see when I visit schools, colleges, universities the length and breadth of the country is young people who are really hopeful and optimistic about the future, but also people who will often be making an enormous contribution to their own community – whether that’s through volunteering, young carers, people who are really committed and dedicated individuals.”
“Bring Our Country Together”
She continued, “I think what we need in this election is a sense of how we bring our country together, how we focus on a more positive and hopeful mission for what our country can be – not this kind of division.”
Education or Training
Trevelyan attempted to defend the national service policy, likening its compulsory nature to the current requirement for young people to remain in education or training until the age of 18.
“Building Their Future”
She argued that the program would instil a sense of duty and community among young adults, stating, “It’s about all of us, all our young people, whatever their cultural background, their personal religious faith, or none. They work together in the community through volunteering or through joining the armed forces for a year’s commission to be part of building their future UK.”
“Teenage Dad’s Army”
However, Sunak’s plan to reintroduce national service has been roundly criticised, with Labours leader Keir Starmer stating, “The desperation of this national service policy – a teenage Dad’s Army – paid for by cancelling levelling up funding and money from tax avoidance that we would use to invest in our NHS.”
Ham Fisted Campaign
The rapid descent of Sunak’s national service plan into an argument about citizens’ supposed loyalty to the country they call home is a perfect example of the ham-fisted way much of the Conservative election campaign has gone since its inception only a few days ago.
Policy Backfired
A policy that appears to have been devised to woo voters into voting for the Conservatives has backfired spectacularly, even after being announced only a few days ago.
Uncertain Future
It remains to be seen whether this latest policy, seemingly pulled from thin air and facing almost immediate condemnation and controversy, will ever make it into the Conservative Party manifesto.
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The post Tory Minister Endorses Farage’s Stance on Muslim Values in the UK first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.