DAR AL HARB - U.K.: TORIES ARE READY TO FIGHT FOR MOSLEM INTERESTS

Cameron to woo Muslims on Britishness
Isabel Oakeshott, Deputy Political Editor

DAVID CAMERON is to call for a “calm” new debate on Britishness that does not backfire by alienating ethnic minorities.

In his first significant intervention on the subject of faith and identity in Britain, the Tory leader will this week criticise “clunking” government ideas such as urging Britons to fly the Union Jack outside their homes.

He will warn that simplistic measures to promote national identity are unlikely to bring communities closer together.

It comes as the Conservative party prepares to publish a report this week highlighting the oppression of Muslim women in Britain who are barred by their families from attending university or going to work.

Outlining a speech he will make in Birmingham tomorrow, Cameron said: “It’s no use behaving like the proverbial English tourist abroad, shouting ever more loudly at the hapless foreigner who doesn’t understand what is being said. We can’t bully people into feeling British — we have to inspire them.”

In what will be seen as a new bid to woo Muslim voters, Cameron will declare his party stands for a “broad and generous” vision of British identity.

He will make it clear the Tories are ready to fight for the interests of Muslims, calling for a new “crusade for fairness” to inspire loyalty from “every citizen”.

Writing in today’s Observer, he insists the Tory party will not shy away from “tough issues” such as the marginalisation of women by some ethnic minorities and religious extremism.

Backing government moves to encourage all foreigners who settle in Britain to learn English, he writes: “Yes, we need to ensure that our children are taught British history properly. And I do think it is important to create more opportunities for celebrating our sense of nationhood.”

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