Government minister defends controversial scheme during Wycombe visit (From Your Local Guardian)

Government minister defends controversial scheme during Wycombe visit

6:01pm Wednesday 18th March 2009 in lost news By Simon Farr

A GOVERNMENT minister today defended a controversial drive to combat violent extremism during a visit to a project in High Wycombe.

Hazel Blears MP praised the town's Muslimah project and said it was an example of how the Preventing Violent Extremism drive was “leading the way” in the fight against terror and empowering Muslim women.

She spoke after Wycombe MP Paul Goodman last week criticised the national scheme and said there was “no proof” it was stamping down on extremism and called for an independent review.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government today visited Highcrest Community School, High Wycombe, which hosts the project's monthly workshops, which gives Muslim women the opportunity to discuss issues and helps them to realise their aspirations.

Hitting back at Mr Goodman's comments, Mrs Blears said: “I think it's perfectly fair to have an independent review into the schemes to find out whether they are working and that is which exactly what is happening with things such as the government think tank.

“But you only have to visit this school and talk to the people here to find out what they think about it. It's innovative, it's inspiring and it's getting local people out into the heart of the community.

“People have to be aware that this country is leading the way, leading Europe in fact, in tackling the issues of terrorism, extremism and empowering Muslim women, and we should be proud of that and continue building.”

During her visit to the Highcrest, Mrs Blears listened to testaments from Muslim women from the area who have had their life changed by the scheme, which was set up following the anti-terror raids in 2006.

She also spent more than 30 minutes talking to pupils, teachers and project director, Ifath Nawaz, who discussed the work of the group and presented Mrs Blears with art-work by a local artist.

Highcrest headteacher Shena Moynihan said: “I'm absolutely delighted and very pleased that Hazel Blears came to have a look at what we as a school and a community are doing.

“This project mirrors up with the school's mission statement to offer people the chance to be positive, celebrate their talents and cultural heritage, and play a huge part in our community.

“It's about giving Muslim women experience and the chance to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.”