The Islamic Republic of the UK

There is no hotter topic in the UK than the immigration/integration/Islamification debate that is currently raging not just in the media, but in the workplace, the pub, the street. It has become a bitter and twisted battle of words between left and right, Christian and non Christian, employer and employee - everyone has something to say about it. But does anyone have a solution? Indeed, does anyone really know what the real issues are any more? Or have those on the more extreme ends of the debate hijacked and take it into realms of fiction, myth and legend - not a place likely to produce any positive results any time soon. But the most important question - how much of a problem does the UK face from this three pronged 'foreign invasion'?

What is undeniable, is that an atmosphere of fear, resentment and mistrust has pervaded much of the white British population. The tabloid press have undoubtedly contributed in an overly negative way to this perception, as the extremists at both ends of the spectrum have used the media to broadcast their views and ideas. Multiculturalism, integration, secularism and other pieces of innocent looking vocabulary have been used and abused as various groups look to score points, giving these words new and often sinister meanings.

Political correctness paranoia has swept through local authorities, corporations and workplace like an MRSA bug in a crowded ward, as bosses, often under advisement from self serving consultants, look to head off religious and racial conflicts before they arise. It's a sad fact though, that some go a little too far in their search, pro actively hunting like scientists for new, undiscovered, patentable PC gimmicks. Shutting away coin operated snack dispensers during Ramadan is one of the latest gaffs. It's a gaff, because it's simply unnecessary, and will only promote resentment. A food machine is not a religious object that may offend.

We are told 'Multiculturalism' is failing. How? Are people abandoning their religions, food, music, cinema and clothing in favour of some form of universal one-type-fits-all blend of bland? No, of course not. Perhaps they are referring to a political policy? Quite possibly, and an excellent example of the misuse of a word. In reality, much of the population is probably fairly ignorant as to what multiculturalism is at all. It's not something that can succeed or fail, and it is certainly not something that is going to go away. There have been different peoples and cultures in these islands for thousands of years, living and often fighting each other over their differences. Nothing has changed then.

So what is the key, if it is not tolerance, if it is not multiculturalism and if we are not to submit to extremism? The key is lies in perhaps the most controversial aspect of immigration and religious diversity of all - integration. Cities are being split into segregated areas of black, brown and white, Christian and Islamic, Pakistani and English. To name just a few tags that could be applied. Integration is very much a two way process, and embraces all the vernacular you can throw at, including multiculturalism and tolerance.

The ultimate fear of the right wing Little Englander is the take over of parts of the UK by Islamic fundamentalism. The introduction of Shari ah law. The exclusion of what they refer to as the indigenous population from parts of the UK. Terrorism. And potentially, and most devastatingly, a secessionist movement - a declaration of self autonomy or independence.

It sounds far fetched, and even the most pessimistic would agree the UK is an awfully long way from such an event even being remotely possible. But it is an issue with potential, to whatever degree you believe applicable, that needs to be addressed.

The solution starts with Britain. Yet another word. It needs to be defined, accurately, positively, inclusively and objectively. What does Britain stand for, and therefore what does it mean to be British? What are our national principles? What do we all have in common? What do we want to be? The solution is to start thinking more about 'Us' and less about 'Us and Them'.

Playing with patriotism can be a dangerous game, but we shouldn't be afraid of identifying ourselves with common beliefs and aspirations. We can't be afraid of calling ourselves British. We must, all of us, be able to identify ourselves as British, to understand what it means, to be proud of it. To feel we have a common bond. Then, and only then, will the foundation exist for the introduction of policies promoting full integration of all sections of our society. When we stop being black, white, Asian, African, Oriental. When we start being British.