Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

David Cameron says there are parts of Britain where people don't speak English

The PM claimed that any institution preaching intolerance would be shut down

Oliver Wright
Wednesday 07 October 2015 13:29 BST
Comments
David Cameron gives his keynote speech to delegates on the fourth and final day of the Conservative Party Conference
David Cameron gives his keynote speech to delegates on the fourth and final day of the Conservative Party Conference (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Government inspectors are to be sent into Britain’s 2,000 Madrassas to crack down on child abuse and Islamic radicalisation, David Cameron has just announced.

In his speech to the Tory party conference Mr Cameron accused some Madrassas of teaching young Muslim children conspiracy theories about Jews and “poisoning” their minds about other religions.

He announced that in future all Madrassas would have to register with the Government and face regular inspections – almost certainly from the education watchdog Ofsted.

This passive tolerance has turned us into a less integrated country

&#13; <p> </p>&#13;

Any institution found to be “teaching intolerance”” will be “shut down” Mr Cameron added.

“In our country there are some children who spend several hours each day at a Madrassa,” he told delegates.

“In some Madrassas we’ve got children being taught that they shouldn’t mix with people of other religions; being beaten; swallowing conspiracy theories about Jewish people.

“These children should be having their minds opened, their horizons broadened not having their heads filled with poison and their hearts filled with hate.

He added: “If an institution is teaching children intensively, then whatever its religion, we will, like any other school, make it register so it can be inspected. And be in no doubt: if you are teaching intolerance, we will shut you down.”

Mr Cameron added that under this Conservative Government there would be no more “passive tolerance” in Britain and announced he expected the police to concentrate more resources on tackling forced marriages and genital mutilation.

“To children, British children, going to Pakistan in the summer holidays, before they’ve even started their GCSEs, and forced to marry a man they’ve never met children, British children, having their genitals mutilated, not just in a clinic in Lagos but the backstreets in Britain.

“This passive tolerance has turned us into a less integrated country; it’s put our children in danger. It is unforgiveable.

“So let me say it right here: no more passive tolerance in Britain. We’ve passed the laws – now I want them enforced.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in