Now its state sponsored Islamic thinking

Is there on end to the feeble minded thinking that passes for Government? It should be no surprise to learn that this latest bout of "something must be done" comes from Hazel Bleaers.

The British government is to fund a board of Islamic theologians in an attempt to sideline violent extremists.
....

Under the plans, the two universities will bring together leading thinkers, yet to be named, to debate critical issues affecting Muslims in the UK.

The Department for Communities is responsible for the government's strategy to combat violent extremism, known as "Prevent".

Leaving aside that the Government should stay out of religion, do they really think that those who are being led by fundamentalists will really listen to this board? These are young, angry, people who are rebelling against the country, our life and their own moderates. Any pronouncements from what they see as a Government mouthpiece are going to have the exact opposite affect.

But Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said it was government's job to support Muslim leaders on controversial issues.

No it isn't. It is the job of the government to make sure everyone obeys the law of the land and catch and punish those that don't. Ideally we would like them to prevent crimes from happening through intelligence and patient detective work. How some people organise themselves to worship some ancient peasant is none of our business, as long as it is within the law.

The board's work will focus on examining issues relating to Islam's place in Britain and obligations as a citizen

So its first and only meeting will last about 5 minutes then, as I said there is only one issue - Muslims must obey the law of the land.

Taji Mustafa of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a group that fought government attempts to ban it, predicted that many ordinary Muslims would be suspicious.

Too right they will be. Funnily enough those of us who aren't Muslims are a bit suspicious as well.
We don't like our money being used either.