Young British Muslims More Political, Survey Finds

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Young Muslims in Britain are more conservative than their parents' generation, according to a new survey. It finds that support for Sharia law, Islamic schools and wearing the veil is much stronger among younger Muslims. And it suggests young Muslims are generally much more likely than their parents to be attracted to political forms of Islam.

NPR's Rob Gifford reports.

ROB GIFFORD: Multiculturalism was the buzzword of the 1980s, when everyone in Britain was encouraged to celebrate difference. Now, especially since the July 7th bombings on the British transport system a year and a half ago, there's been a complete change of direction. And integration is seen as the key.

Yesterday's report by the center-right Policy Exchange think tank suggested that Islamist groups have gained influence by playing what it called the politics of identity. The report has alarmed many with its findings that 37 percent of British Muslims between 16 and 24 years old want to live under Sharia law.

Director of the research is Munira Mirza.

Ms. MUNIRA MIRZA (Director, Policy Exchange): The survey shows that it's not indoctrination from parents or from the older generation, but rather something that's emerging spontaneously amongst a younger generation of Muslims. And I think that the influence on multicultural policies - which emphasizes difference, yet emphasizes people's cultural or religious identities - has made Muslims feel they have more in common with other Muslims than with non-Muslims. And it encouraged them to be much more strident, much more assertive about presenting their identity in the public realm.

GIFFORD: That's a criticism that was picked up on by the leader of the opposition Conservative Party, David Cameron, in a speech yesterday, ahead of the launch of a party document by his party today. Cameron called multiculturalism a failed doctrine that threatens national unity.

Inayat Bunglawala from the Muslim Council of Britain disagrees.

Mr. INAYAT BUNGLAWALA (Media Secretary, Muslim Council of Britain): There has been, certainly, a recognizable increase in the mistrust between communities, and particularly towards British Muslims, unfortunately. But I think it would be wrong to blame multiculturalism. I think there are other far more pertinent reasons why some young Muslims had become radicalized, and it has not to do with multiculturalism. It is something to do with some of our policies overseas.

GIFFORD: Britain's policies overseas, especially involvement in the war in Iraq, are blamed by many British Muslims for the radicalization of some in their community. Prime Minister Tony Blair rejects any such link.

Rob Gifford, NPR News, London.

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