Print

peter hitchenIslam flexes its muscles... and Ms Kelly is surprised?

16:49pm 12th September 2006

The Mail on Sunday

 

The real menace to this country does not come from terrorist bombs, which a calm, resolute people can cope with. It comes from the liberal elite's decision to appease Islam. The louder the Blairites talk about the 'threat to our way of life' from Muslim extremists, the more they themselves increase that threat.

 

Criticism of Islam, jokes about Islam, is rapidly becoming taboo, even legally restricted. Yet Muslims have total freedom to say what they like about the rest of us. Quietly, the Civil Service, the police and the education system (and many big companies) have already begun to adapt themselves to the idea of an Islamised Britain. Was Ruth Kelly, Minister for Political Correctness, really shocked when a group of Muslim lobbyists abruptly demanded partial recognition of Sharia Law and the official celebration of major Muslim holy days?

She shouldn't have been.

Any observer of what is happening in this country would have known this demand was coming. It will be made with increasing force as the Muslim population grows and the Muslim vote – already decisive in many constituencies – grows with it, because all the major parties are without principles and will do anything for votes.

I have written often of my great sympathy for much of what Islam says, and of my liking for Muslims.  

Go to a British university and the most serious, sharp-witted – and sober – students will often be the Muslims. I share much of their disgust for the booze-soaked, pleasure-seeking debauchery of much of modern Britain.

But the Muslim answer to these things is harsh and crude. I do not want Islam established here.

Islam responds to tolerance by demanding more. It responds to retreat by advancing. It is wisely cautious when weak, ruthless and ferocious when strong. It recognises no equals and makes no compromises.

Once it is dominant, all others are subjected to it. Those who live in the Pennine towns, or in parts of London, can already see its flexing of muscles.

The number of Muslim women wearing headscarves, or total veils, has risen sharply in the past few years.

 

 Large new mosques have appeared on many skylines. Many more are being built. This is happening now, here. Our Government is helping it.

How long will we put up with political parties which stay in power by grabbing votes from minorities and cash from millionaires?

 Who really endangers our freedom and our way of life?