The government are prepared to fork out millions for a mosque that will benefit 8% of London's population.

Yet the Church which nearly 60% of all Londoners adheres too gets nothing.

Alice McCillay, Harrow , Englans

I think this would be a great idea...on the dark side of the Moon..

geoff, Hinckley, UK

Also you want to build a church in islamic countries. My neighbour is a devoted christian and lived in Saudi Arabia for 17 years of her life and said it was very peaceful. We get along fine why cant you. Plus if you dont live in london you dont have a say this is our community, we built it.

Rahima, london,

Excusme, why is everyone now saying this is a christian country and how proud they're that they are christian. I am British born muslim and have never seen christmas being celebrated religiously. I "respect all religion i am a student of all religion" and you should try and do the same.

Rahima, london,

Is it really neccessary to have this major eye-sore of a sturcture built in London? Is there not enough mosques already there?
If Muslims really want to integrate into the British society, why do they not build more useful projects like a hospitals, schools, or even a church or temple in the KSA.

Tom, Calgary , Canada

This idea is a complete disgrace and should never have been taken seriously.

Jay, Surrey, UK

No mosques
GB is not a Muslim country,It offers sanctury through it's christian foundations but it is not muslim, those of that faith that are trying to subvert the british misunderstand that Cof E attendance at birth,marrige and death is our religion and we will defend it when threatened.

michael, wokingham, Great Britain

There should be NO mosques in the UK or Europe, if Muslims need to use Mosques, then move to a Muslim Country, i also think the Tax and VAT office should be looking hard to see how the funds for the build was raised.

james day, southampton, uk

It is not only a MOSQUE but a muslim boarding school.

This is what you should all understand aboutt islam..MUSLIMS are commanded in the quoran to do all they can in other counrties to foster their faith..they are to live under the rule of the host nation whilst they are in the minority...however, when they are nearing enough numbers (through birth or immigration) to be equal with the host nation they have a DUTY to islam to try to rule in that country.
This mosque is not just a "nice building to see from afar" it is a school for tommorrows (educated) muslims...and at 500 pupils a term over many many years will turn out millions of young muslims who will be heading for all sorts of careers...lots will be political etc.
We are seeing islamisation of the UK and ALL Europe!
For those who dont see the harm in this...the internet is crammed with what islamisation is causing all over the world as muslims fight in 49 countries for dominance.
I am not racist I am anti islam

colin, LEEDS yorks,

If these muslims want to help their own people, why not invest money in rebuilding Iraq instead?

Tim, Cambridge, Cammbs

So Muslims should re-build Iraq? When its the UK and USA, who have DESTROYED IT !!! Were we asked when the ILLEGAL WAR went ahead?

Choudry, UK,

It is a very unsensible thing to do as it will raise tension to other cultures. More extremeism. Build a massive mosque somewhere else in another country. The mega mosque will be subjected to arson attacks etc. if 48,000 people oppose it then i doubt it wil get built. what a cheek

Dave, essex, essex

Why is it acceptable to build Heathrow Terminal 5 which has a huge detrimental impact on the local communities health and wellbeing but not OK to build a mosque which will do nothing but promote peace and harmony?

Tablighi Jamaat is not a secretaive group. Everyone is invited to pop into the current mosque on the site and learn more about islam. We should'nt make assumptions about them based on Islamaphobic press articles.

john, hayes, UK

If these muslims want to help their own people, why not invest money in rebuilding Iraq instead?

Tim, Cambridge, Cammbs

I beleive that I treating others like they treat me.Therefore if they allowed my Christian brothers and sisters to build a masive cathdral in Iran then I think they should be allowed to build a masive mosque in London as well.

Nick, London, Engand

Why do people think taxpayers are paying for this? They're not. This 'sect' is a religion with 80,000,000 members, including members of the Pakistani cricket team. They want to use their own money to build on their own land in a predominantly Muslim community which already HAS a temporary mosque, which doesn't cause community tension at the moment. despite being packed to the rafters every Friday night. These are British citizens- they have the same right to believe what they want as you do, and they can build something to do it if if they wish, subject to planning consent. They need a bigger mosque, let them build it.

Jim, London,

Wouldn't it be nice if there were no identity politics in the world, that every human being could just give up his or her own cultural, religious, ethnic and racial sensitivities and we could all just live in one global harmony of unilateral equals... Unfortunately though that just isn't going to happen. Does anyone seriously believe that if we as native Britons were to give up our ID politics for the sake of such a foolish naivity, they would also! Not a chance! If anything they would just exploit that position which is what they seem to be doing already! Speaking as a Christian-Atheist myself I think that we as Europeans should be preserving the predominants of our Pagan-Judeochristian culture in our ancestral lands and not confusing the concept of state with the concept of a Nation: For when did the politicians of the UK ever go to the British electorate on whether or not to enter into this 'Multicultural paradise'? It is Nations that form states not states that constitute Nations!

Chris Gibbons, LB Sutton, UK

I can't believe the Government would even consider building a mosque for an organisation like Tablighi Jamaat. MI5 sources consider them to be a major recruiter for Al Quaeda. Dr Irfan al-Alawi (European director of the Centre for Islamic Pluralism) said that he was "extremely concerned" about the spread of Tablighi Jamaat. He said "Tablighi are not moderate Muslims, they are a separatist movement. If this mosque were to go ahead, it will be strictly run by the Tablighis; there will be no room for moderates."

There are too many ignorant liberals in the UK who don't understand the nature and magnitude of the threat we face from radical Islam. This mosque is another example of appeasement in the face of terror. The Government needs to grow a spine and tell these people to conform to UK laws and customs or get out, not build them a giant mosque. Although I sympathise with Mark, I will not leave this Country. This is my Country and Sharia law will be imposed in the UK OVER MY DEAD BODY!

Brett, Gillingham,

This mosque should be built because it will look good in a degenerated area where there is lack of funding from the council .One more thing to toby , muslims dont live in the middle ages ,they acctually got the west from the dark and middle ages with their civilasations and knowledge,get your history right mate .

Joe, london,

I am athiest buiding any religious shrine is an anthema to me however 12, 000 mosque another breeding ground for extremists. I am anti all religions after the cow escapade in Wales, Christian fundalmentialists waiting for rapture hoping the world ends now this what happened to the secular values of the Western World given up to pander to the whims of these people I know I am politically incorrect I dont care anymoe if you want to destroy my way of life because your God is better than somebody else's God. We are at war with all fundalmentialism beileve one day there will mushroom clouds over major cities in the world if we lose this fight

Jimmy OBrien, Liverpool, UK

I think its a great idea,keep them all in one place which is the ideal situation if you are this weeks milk monitor.

"I do hope there are enough jammy dodgers left after the SELF FLAGELLATION,oh yes and no smoking inside or its a £2000 fine".

David Cameroon, LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND

Absolutely no way should this be built. These people want us all under sharia law remember - anyone fancy a stoning this morning?

We left the middle ages behind us centuries ago; let's not go back there.

Toby, London,

Interesting to see that the great majority of names on the petition against the mosque are Asian.

Ian Holton, Tunbridge Wells,

The money should be used to beneifit all. Why religion? We are so eager to please, when our schools and health service suffers. If Mr Livingstone is so keen to create an image, then spend that money on existing buildings, that would benefit the masses, not any individual group. Peoples view on terrorism is short sighted, we must learn to live together. Those people who hide behind the terrorism angle are covert bigots. Financially we need to use funds correctly and get the infrastructure of the UK in order or the foundations of society will crumble.

Andrew Watkinson, Sidmouth, Devon

Simply put, why do we need another Mosque, a Mega one at that? Could we not spend the £100m on other things such as Hospitals, Schools, Housing… I could go on!

People come to London to see attractions relating to English Heritage, such as the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, Changing of the guards, Windsor Castle … again, I could go on!

So surely if we really need to spend £100m then it would make more sense to build another similar English style attraction.

If we’re on a high threat of terrorism now, then surely the threat can only be increased. This is not about religion this is about safety and keeping England England!!

Pat, London, UK

Mark in Newport Pagnall

Can I have your stuff if you leave?

SB, Bristol, England

Whilst I am opposed to splashing so much money on any religious building - when religion is not about riches, I am more worried about the fact that our "intelligence" agencies are saying that this would be a "gateway to extremism".

This is giving off signals that muslims are terrorists when they are not. I don't recall the same type of statements about Irish people or Catholics/Protestants when the IRA were bombing us or did that have nothing to do with religion?

Marco, London,

Sure, Saudi does have a lot of cash. Thats thanks to their resources of oil and as such.

Surely Britain can sort out an agreement of such, for example, you have the right to build this mosque in london, if you fund us for the olympic games.

I'm pretty sure you guys cringe at the thought of money being lifted from your wallet from taxes to provide for something you might not support.

Your not seeing the full picture here, why try and create more problems? If you build a relationship with the muslims, then you eliminate a lot of problems, the so-called "terrorist acts" for example will be elimated/cut down. Britain will be praised by muslims if this is built.

Stop trying to create more trouble. Money is powerful, a lot of people know that, thats why Dubai has bloomed recently, has the UK been able to do that? Didn't think so.

Baz, Bucks,

This is ridiculous, i personally support the idea that a mosque will be built in london. Sure, fine you can say Britain is not an Islamic country.Fine, i will agree with you upon that, but how will this have an effect on you? Your not going to visit this if you don't want to.Also, look at the Middle-East, if Britain wanted to fund the building of a large church, why would they stop them? There are Christians in the Middle-East, they wouldn't not object the building of a church, but they don't have the money for that, so they don't.Okay, fine, lets say your a christian? I respect your views of your religon, why can't you respect others? Is there a problem here? Why must the idea of "This is my country, my colour, my views must be a bigger priority than foreigners?Mark, you'll leave your own country since a place for worship is being built? If you are a christian, surely when(if) you go to church you see other races there? Foreigners are entitled to live here just as much as you do.

Baz, Bucks,

I totally oppose the building of this mega mosque, it would be totally out of keeping with the area. Where is this vast amount of money going to come from?, overburdened tax payers. Where is equalty in this proprosal, surely christians could demand an equal amount of money to be spent on a place of worship for them, also jews I am sure would like a equality, seiks and other religions. Why have musilims been signalled out for special treatment. If other faiths wanted to build a bgger place of worship they would be expected to fund the project themselves

Irene Notley, Waterlooville, England

To everyone who has said 'this is/isn't an [insert religion here] country' please wake up!

I'm an active Christian but even I can see that this is not a Christian country, and never was. It was a country where, a few hundred years ago, most people went to church. Now attendance is into single percentage figures.

It is an open, multicultural country. If Christians want our faith to grow then we need to get back to loving the people around us (as Christ loved us) and stop condemning everything that looks different to how we want it (other religions, 'Europe', immigration etc etc).

I don't hear anyone moaning that Orthodox Jews have 'taken over' Golders Green... (and of course no-one should).

Rick, Wycombe, Bucks

I propose a full scale demonstration against this monster of a building. We are all entitled to an opinion. Despite media coverage and hysteria this is NOT an Islam country.

David, Sunderland,

No disrespect to any religions or cultures of any kind (after all, we love to say how much we welcome multicutural societies in the UK), if it helps the muslim community to come together, I'm all for a mosque, but why does it need to to make such a statement?

The trouble i have is when I read headlines about failing schools and hospitals not meeting targets, etc... so if we have £100m floating about for any project, why not assign it to something that can contribute to bringing the "slums" of london to meet the high standards we now expect... just seems a bit odd lending the mower to our neighbours when our own backyard is in such a mess (apparently).

stewart, london,

In a Christian land, there is something threatening about building a mosque larger than St Paul's Cathedral. There is no doubt that were we to suggest that we build a Cathedral (let alone a Mega Cathedral) in any of the Muslim countries there would be outrage from the Muslims. We are tolerant to other religions, even teaching their main aspects within our schools. However, this recent suggestion by the Mayor of London is madness, and the intended money to be spent is not only outrageous, but also repulsive.

Anne , Cambridge,

Matthew Get real - my betting is that you are not 'English' or you are very young. This scheme is absolutely ridiculous and an insult to Englishmen everywhere. This is and always has and should be a fundamentally Christian country. The way our Government has let these people take over certain areas and impose their culture on us is tantamount to treason and English people have had enough. Other countries are now limiting the amount of power they have as the realisation is that they are trying to change the natural culture of any area they tend to live in. By shelving these plans perhaps the Government are at last waking up and realising what they have done. Why not build a new Christian Cathedral, Hospital or much needed School on this land? Muslims need to bring their faith into the 21st century before we can get anywhere near to accepting it in this country.

Ruth, Woodford , UK

I'm not against an Islamic Centre being built next to the Olympic Stadium. I find it rather inspiring to think that our athletes and that of the rest of the world should at least be able to compete in safety, since one of God's sacred houses will be standing right next door.

ELMA BIRCHALL, MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

I have recently with an open mind read several books on Islam, arab history in general, and the philosophy of radical islam....and I am now much more fearful of this faith than previously, I had hoped that an understanding of Islam and its teachings would put my mind at rest, but the opposite is true
So on that basis...not ignorance, I oppose this project and as an Englishman (atheist btw), I am shocked that it was even seriously considered
Unfortunately this is probably only a temporary setback for the project

Peter Jordan, Birmingham, England

I am not from England, but it seems to me that we don't learn our lessons very well. Why do they need to make the Mosque that large? Why not a smaller Mosque, and a park were the whole community can come and partake? They do want to be part of England, and they don't wish to respect the beliefs of others it is ether their way or no way at all. I think building that Mosque will cause more problems than it will solve. As for the last letter that was sent in about everyone being allowed to follow their own beliefs well Christains aren't killing people around the world.

Charles, Naples, FL

scrap the plans. how could the nation build something that could be greater than st pauls cathedrial, a landmark known all over the world.

daniel, hampton, london, england

That such a project can even be contemplated, let alone brought to fruition, speaks volumes for the moribund nature of the English people, with what yet remains of their 1000 year old Christian tradition, embodied in some of the finest architecture ever raised - a nation that no longer fills its churches or turns to its God in prayer but worships at the shrine of nonentity and hard cash. May we come to our senses before it is too late and Sharia Law is here for all - may God help us in this our time of greastest need!

John, Mnachester, U K

Why on Earth should a group of people with its own money not apply for planning permission to build a house of worship? It is no different from Christians, Jews or anyone else submitting such a planning application. We have freedom of worship in my country. The planning laws apply equally to people of all faiths and of none. If this application is legal in terms of planning law, then permission will be granted, just as with any other planning application, be it for a supermarket, an office block, a residential scheme or a mosque. Do your readers not know that Christianity is a Middle Eastern faith that was brought to the English by a North African immigrant, St Augustine? If he was allowed to proselytise, why aren't Muslims? I have no problem with some British people choosing to follow a religious faith of their own free will, be that faith Christianity, Hinduism, Islam or any other. Anyone, of any religion, who incites violence or racial hatred can be prosecuted, as often happens.

Matthew, London, UK

To Jamal,London,UK
It seems muslims push muticulturalism only when they are outside the islamic world and reject it in their own lands.
Why Saudi Arabia that forbids building of Churches in KSA and punishes Christian worshippers is spending billions to build mosques across the Western world?

Rose Shaw, Alfreton, UK

I feel Christians in UK have been silenced for so long and only now that muslims through their political islam are becoming the most eye-catching religion in UK ,this fact has shaken the comatosed Christians.
I feel Christians should become very political involved,we need to be forceful and be heard.The more we remain silent the more of our rights we will lose.
Politics Christianity can be used to attract the young generations.We should have a logo 'SILENT NO MORE'.
As my mum used to say,"The crying baby gets all the attention".

Rose Shaw, Alfreton, UK

As Britain is my ancestral homeland, I feel a strong bond with its great history and civilization. I have followed developments in the mosque controvery with disbelief and sadness. I am pleased with this development, but it is a small, temporary victory for those who care about the precipitous decline of the nation and its culture. The comment from Spencer is a perfect example of the pernicious, multi-cultural dogma that is steadily turning Britain into an unrecognizable and alien place. No matter how accommodating the British are to the demands of the ever-increasing numbers of the followers of the "religion of peace", there will be more. The day those demands cease will be the day there will be no more British nation, no more British culture, and history itself will be re-written.

John Haskell, Pleasant Hill, California

Mark sorry to say I wont be too sad to see you go... LOL!

Cheer up lifes too short to be letting our hatred and fear lead our lives. Lets live together, the world is getting smaller its a fact we have to live with it.

Mark, Leeds, UK

Enough is enough! British/English politicians should take a leaf out of the Swiss Government's book and keep Britain's heritage - See Swiss example.

NO MORE MOSQUES - THERE ARE ENOUGH ALREADY AND THESE NEED TO BE REGULATED BY BRITISH LAWS - NOT THEIR OWN. Anyone coming in to England should abide by the British State laws and regulations as they would expect others to do when going into their countries.

No more political correctness (which has now gone totally berzerk!) and no more external dominance!

Selix
London

Selix, London,

If you wish to make a difference please sign up to the petition against the building of this mosque in London. It can be found on the govt. website & runs until July..
The English woman who began this petition has been harrassed by Black Link and a moslem blogger who says that "Prince Harry should feel the Mujadheen bullet..."
Speaks for itself really...

J Jacobs, Ipswich, Suffolk

As an indiginous Briton, I want to reclaim my ancestoral homeland. No more 'mosquestrosoties' to be built!

Charlotte Lewis, Croydon,

I'm not proud of our multi dustbin label. You speak for yourself.

J GRAY, Lincs, UK

I take the comment that Spencer wrote offensively, this is the only Country we have where every other nationality has another Country to go back too, so whether he likes it or not he is lumbered with us and maybe he should leave. It is outragous that Liberals are telling English people to leave their Country because some people have made it easy for them and left!
No I am many many like myself do not want this Mega Mosque!
It will cause suffering and Violence and known terrorists are behind it! If that Mosque goes up so our Civilisation goes and everything that we know! It is neither fair or sensible! If people want to come to this Country then fair play to them, but if this Country has to change to accomadate them, then I am firmly against it and I will fight for my beliefs!

Sharon, London, England

The mosque should go ahead as it will provide a place of worship as well as show Britains tolerant and multicultural side. The fact that 49,981 signatures have now been received on the petition against the Mega mosque based on incorrect and inciteful information will only serve to evidence the existence of the intolerance and Islamophobia in Britain, which must be eradicated.

Accordingly, it is the duty of evey British citizen to sign the petition (link below) to BUILD the ‘Mega Mosque’

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/buildmosque/

Jamal, London, UK

Spencer did you notice the MUSLIMS OPPOSE VAST MOSQUE PLAN half way down on the left hand side? Do you think the moderates should roll over for the extremists? Should they just be brushed aside for the sake of our multi cultural haven?

JACK, midlands, england

Such a mega structure is not proportionate to the population. It is a PR statement, nothing more. This is not a Muslim country and I am pleased to see that it will not appear so with such a structure adjacent to the Olympic complex. The plans should be withdrawn completely to see an end to this building proposal, not just a statement which is here today, gone tomorrow.

Phil , Brentwood,

no doubt paid for by saudi petrodollars.

i wish the oil would run out and islam can become as irrelevant as it always has been without the cash backing it up.

leaving soon, sheffield, yorks

There is no need to have any structure that large for prayer. It does not promote British integration of Muslims, it's more like trying to get more ppl to 'be Islamic' by looking impressive on the outside.

K, Bristol, England

I strongly believe this could be another significant place in our multi cultural society, where people have been treated fairly for their contribution towards this society. If we have this sort of implicit hatred in our mind and waiting for a situation to arise when we come out with utmost venomic and disgusting treatment to other, then take my word for it that we will be completely isolated from the rest of the world, let alone in Europe. Let us not forget that we are proud of our multi-ethic, multi cultural society in this lovely country, and if anyone doesn’t welcome it then he is welcome to leave this country and go and look for a another UK, which you will not find on this face of earth!!!...

spencer, london,

Will women be able to attend the mosque during pray? If not, then no to building it. The British people have no qualms with isolating those who isolate others. Expect no big publicity events until equal rights are given to all.

Anyway, i don't see a group, who’s meaning is the converting of people to Islam, as a group that claims it stands for 'social and religious integration'

Dave, London,

If it gets the go ahead, I'll definitely leave this country

Mark, Newport Pagnell, ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good. Hopefully it will never get built.

izzie, cornwall,

It is about time this government clamped down on the building of mosques there are enough in this country already.

P. Simpson, Leics,

Great that Phoney Bliar is putting a stop to this.

But do we think it would be stopped if it were being built in a Tory area, far away from Bliar's trophy Olympics site?

Patrick, Los Angeles, U.S.A.