Bishop threatened after claims that Islamic extremism had turned some communities into no-go areas for non-Muslims

The Bishop of Rochester received telephone threats after his claims that Islamic extremism had turned some communities into no-go areas for non-Muslims.

The Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali wrote last month about non-Muslims who may find it hard to live or work in some areas of the country.

Just days later, the bishop received telephone calls from someone making “stupid threats” against his security and safety and that of his family.

The matter has been reported to the police and measures have been put in place to make sure he remains safe.

Bishop Nazir-Ali wrote in a national Sunday newspaper in January that there had been a worldwide resurgence of Islamic extremism, leading to young people growing up alienated from the country they lived in.

He said there was “hostility” in some areas, but did not name them, and described the Government’s multi-cultural policies as divisive.

On his website he said he was aware his view would cause a debate, but has been surprised by its scale.

The bishop’s chaplain, Canon Tony Smith, said: “The threats were made by phone and happened about four weeks ago, when he was in India. They were made from Britain.

“They were stupid threats like ‘we’ll get you’, so we did have to inform the police and appropriate measures and procedure have been put in place to make sure he is safe.

“We’re now just getting on with life.”

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