Letter To The Times, London

“Trevor Phillips says that we should not expect Muslims to “integrate in the same way” as other communities in Britain. Nobody expects Muslims to become exactly the same as non-Muslims, but perhaps the true question is this: if Muslims are not prepared to change to accommodate our ways (such as women having equal status with men), why should we be expected to accommodate their ways (such as the establishment of sharia courts and madrasas) in a secular, liberal society?

“Religious tolerance is one thing, but appeasement to the extent of undermining our own customs and beliefs is quite another.”
Nina Macfie, Newton Abbot, Devon

Regrettably, the political correctness that took over the UK during the days of the Labour government is still in full swing. I totally agree with the writer. If foreigners wish to migrate to the UK, or any other country if it comes to that, they should fit into the ways and culture of that country. By all means keep their religion, something that can be done quietly and privately, but don’t expect their hosts to adapt to them. It is, after all, their choice to join the host country. I have migrated myself (how well I have integrated only my wife and our friends can say). But I have never for a moment expected any special treatment or privileges. Most people don’t. As Owen wrote on this posting yesterday, Epicurus was a believer in Xenia, or hospitality towards strangers, but I don’t think he would have appreciated, for instance, the migrants to ancient Greece treating women as second class citizens.