7 July 2004
The government plans to introduce an offence of incitement to religious hatred as soon as possible to help tackle extremists who use religion to stir up hatred.
Home Secretary David Blunkett said that extremists do not represent the communities they claim to speak for and sidelining them is an essential part of fighting racism:
"We have to face down extremism and racism in all its forms if we are to promote a positive, inclusive sense of British identity and citizenship which newcomers feel welcome to commit to and which established communities feel proud of be part of."
Mr Blunkett’s speech today comes ahead of the government’s race strategy which will be published in the autumn. A consultation pamphlet called ‘Strength in Diversity’ was published last month to begin the debate ahead of the strategy’s publication and a series of events is being held across the country.
The Home Secretary said
"We want people from all backgrounds to be proud of their identity - and to have respect for the identity of others.
"Government can support this by encouraging a positive and active notion of British citizenship and by ensuring new migrants engage with the communities in which they live."
Mr Blunkett also said he was laying an order today to bring in new requirements for testing the English language of people applying for British citizenship. In the autumn the government will bring in new English language courses which will use teaching materials based on citizenship.
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