Multiculturalism: Cameron got it wrong

In the week that followed David Cameron's speech on multiculturalism, there have been a number of responses to it and not from those you would consider being the 'usual suspects'. We've commented on it with a piece by OBV Director Simon Woolley but I'd like to also highlight three people with differing political standpoints who’ve responded on the speech.

First up is libertarian blogger Old Holborn who takes the traditional liberty focused view that the state should simply get off people's back and that Cameron is doing nothing different from other statists. He has some harsh words for the Prime Minister:

“If you want to de-radicalise Muslims, stop bombing their children. Stop supporting brutal regimes. Stop bribing your "friends" in the Middle East with weapons deals, stop stamping your "influence" on all you can see to aid the vested interests of those who fund your politics. In short, leave us alone.

If how others live does not adversely affect my life, I am happy for them to live their lives how they wish. If they wish to eat Halal and pray 5 times a day, it is no business of mine and certainly no business of your all powerful State to insist they shouldn't.”

Next is Baroness Ece, who I think it's fair to say sits in the more centre ground politically, who being a Peer chooses words that aren't quite as harsh but don't lack strength in her search for an evidence based justification in the Prime Minister’s speech:

“When I hear politicians from – it seems – every recent government talk of how multiculturalism has failed, or that it was an ‘experiment’, I am genuinely perplexed.

As a second generation Londoner, I went to school in Hackney and grew up with children from many different cultures and backgrounds. Like me, many spoke another language at home. I did not learn English until I started school, but was encouraged to integrate and study hard, as long as I respected what was culturally acceptable in my parents’ house, and our wider community.

As a nation we have successfully absorbed the culture and cuisine of many different cultures – we like Asian food, we are now encouraged to cook healthy Mediterranean dishes, and rely on the 24 hour shops run by Asian and Turkish shopkeepers. This is my experience of multiculturalism. We simply do not live in a mono culture.” 

Last but by no means least is the stalwart of the far left, leader of the Respect party and fervent anti war politician Cllr Salma Yaqoob. She avoids subjecting the Prime Minister to a tirade and simply points out his error by questioning how well David Cameron understands Muslim communities and highlights a resolution by Birmingham Central Mosque:

"David Cameron's suggestion that Muslims are not doing enough to tackle religious extremism has caused frustration and offence in Birmingham's Muslim community, especially considering the consistent work that has gone on for years in marginalising extremists in our mosques and neighbourhoods.

The majority of that work is done quietly and out of the spotlight. The recent successful effort to send Anjem Chaudory packing is a case in point.”

Three reactions, three distinct political persuasions and yet all three have a commonality of skepticism, and political defiance which rightly calls the Prime Minister on what was a remarkably ill judged speech.

Next time Prime Minister I hope you will consult with the communities whose lives you're going to affect and choose a better time to make a speech than on the day a far right organisation holds its biggest ever rally.

Leon Green