British Muslim groups have, in response to recent events, written to the prime minister to ask for urgent changes in UK foreign policy. They argue, in particular, that the “debacle in Iraq” and the failure to do more to secure an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East provides “ammunition to extremists who threaten us all”. The government must abandon its foreign policy because it enrages a minority of a minority and so “risks putting civilians at increased risk both in the UK and abroad”.

Three members of parliament, three peers and 38 groups signed a letter advancing these views. How should the overwhelming majority of British citizens who are not Muslims respond? My answer is that they should reject these positions because they are undemocratic, false and dangerous.