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James Brokenshire meets religious leaders on visit to mosque in London. 

On yesterday’s visit, (Monday 15 September), Immigration & Security Minister James Brokenshire stressed how UK communities are at their best when working together.

He condemned the recent brutal murder of humanitarian aid worker David Haines and other horrific acts of violence in Syria and Iraq during his meeting with community leaders at the Al Medina Mosque in Barking

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Immigration & Security Minister James Brokenshire said:

Faith institutions such as the Al Medina Mosque demonstrate how people are at their best when we work together. It is clear from the many activities and donations from across the UK that many of us feel the plight of the Syrian people.

We are also unified in our condemnation of the atrocious acts of brutality which we have seen unfolding in Iraq and Syria. We stand together in condemning terrorism and extremism but also in being clear that these have nothing to do with Islam or any other faith.

As the Prime Minister said, the root of these actions lies in a poisonous political ideology that a small minority support. In contrast, Islam is a religion which is observed peacefully and devoutly by more than a billion people.

Without fear

The minister also stated that this government is determined that everyone should be able to practise their faith freely and without fear. He said it was heartening to see how many people are making clear how alien these acts are to religion.

He emphasised the social media campaign #notinmyname, adding:

It is so important that these voices are heard and that they are joined in solidarity by many more.