MP Khalid Mahmood calls for extremism vigilance at Midland universities

Feb 27 2011 by Ben Goldby, Sunday Mercury

A MUSLIM MP has demanded more vigilance at universities after a radical cleric was invited to speak to Midland students.

Khalid Mahmood is writing to the University of Birmingham after a controversial preacher, Abdur Raheem Green (pictured), was invited to talk there by the campus Islamic Society.

The Perry Barr MP said: “Radicalisation at universities is a real issue, and the authorities need to deal with the problem head on.

“The majority of Muslims want to stand up against radical nonsense.”

Meanwhile, one University of Birmingham student claimed that moderate Muslims were being “turned off” by the Islamic Society.

The youth, who did not want to be named, said: “I feel the Islamic Society does not cater to moderate Muslims like myself.

“If you look at the Christian or Hindu Societies, these are groups where like-minded students can get to know one another. But my impression of the Islamic Society is that they are bringing in extreme preachers, who do not represent me.

“It’s shameful that they hosted preachers such as Abdur Raheem Green. It’s even more shameful that the University gave them such a prestigious platform, completely unchallenged.”

We revealed earlier this month that Muslim convert Mr Green, banned from entering Australia in 2005, had been invited to the event with the Islamic Society on February 12.