Birmingham schools targeted by Islamic extremists warns Michael Gove

Nov 18 2010 by Jonathan Walker, Birmingham Post

Schools in Birmingham have been targeted by Islamic extremists trying to infiltrate the education system, Education Secretary Michael Gove has warned.

He told MPs there were “genuine dangers” due to extremist influence in state schools - and revealed he had been working with Birmingham MP Khalid Mahmood (Lab Perry Barr) to counter the threat.

They have helped set up a series of workshops in inner-city Birmingham schools teaching students about Sufi music, which is inspired by poets who practiced Sufism, a mystical tradition within Islam.

Mr Mahmood said the aim was to teach young people about the true nature of Islam and counter the false impression they might get from extremists who deliberately target students.

The issue was raised in the House of Commons as MPs debated the Government’s policy of allowing parents and community groups to set up schools, known as free schools.