§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to combat terrorism through cultural integration and co-operation. [887281
§ Mr. BlunkettThe Government are committed to ensuring the fair treatment and inclusion of all communities within our society. We are actively working to ensure that where there are divisions along lines of race, religion, class—or any other cultural factor—barriers are broken down, discrimination is eradicated and positive relationships are encouraged.
In addition, we attach great importance to helping those who settle here—and existing British citizens—gain a fuller appreciation of the civic and political dimensions of British citizenship and, in particular, to understand the rights and responsibilities that come with British citizenship. This will help to strengthen active participation in our democracy and a sense of community belonging. This is why we introduced the citizenship curriculum in schools in September and why we have appointed an independent group under the chairmanship of Professor Sir Bernard Crick to make recommendations on the standard of language skills it might be reasonable to expect of someone seeking naturalisation. The group will also be advising on the content and delivery of a "Living in the United Kingdom" programme.
Taken together these measures will help to reduce the risk of disaffection that can lead, in some extreme cases, to support for terrorism.