By Jamie Hailstone Local government and communities secretary, Ruth Kelly, has met with Muslim community leaders to discuss tackling religious extremism, as councils were pushed to the fore following last week’s terror raids. The meeting was held in the aftermath of the raids, which resulted in 24 arrests and allegedly foiled a plot to blow up a string of airplanes. One person has been released without charge, and 23 remained in custody as The MJ went to press. Ms Kelly described the meetings as ‘very constructive and forward looking’. The assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, Inayat Bunglawala, said: ‘We made it clear that we believe it is important that the Government assesses whether some of its policies, particularly in the Middle East, have helped or hindered us in the struggle against extremism.’ The Local Government Association called on Friday for calm following the arrests, and advised councils to reassure local people and to issue joint statements promoting community cohesion. ‘It is vital that people co-operate with the authorities and stay united,’ said vice chairman, Sir Jeremy Beecham. Most of the police raids and subsequent arrests occurred in Waltham Forest LBC. Council leader, Clyde Loakes, said the mood in the borough was ‘calm’, but he added: ‘There are a lot of people with a lot of questions.’ Cllr Loakes organised a meeting of councillors and faith leaders last week, and on Tuesday he visited all 13 mosques in Waltham Forest. Councils were also at the cutting-edge of the airport chaos caused by stringent new security checks, with the Manchester Airport Group, which is jointly owned by Manchester City Council and neighbouring local authorities, reporting some delays last Thursday but business as usual after that. j.hailstone@hgluk.com
