Sir, The pitiful behaviour of Abu Izzadeen (report, Sept 21) in barracking the Home Secretary John Reid says it all. There is no such thing as a “Muslim area” — this is Britain and anyone has the right to go anywhere they please.

It is symptomatic of the problems facing our society that extremists try to foster a sense of isolation and generate ghetto mentalities wherever they can in an attempt to embed their pernicious, perverted form of Islam.

All Mr Reid was saying to Muslim parents was “put your house in order” and show us that you and your children are integrating into our society, where you claim that you wish to live.

Unless Muslims come to terms with the fact that much of the trouble lies within their own communities then we shall continue to have this tiny festering sore of fanatics. The longer it takes them to get to grips with the issues, the worse the situation will become.

NEIL JONES
London SE24

Sir, John Reid’s advice to Muslim parents contrasts with his actions as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I cannot recall him advising parents there to monitor their children.

While looking for the causes of extremism, Mr Reid and others might usefully listen to the electorate, on the subject of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which desires this country to act in accordance with the rule of law. Mr Reid must listen to public opinion or some, in desperation, will adopt desperate measures.

TERRY FALCAO
Chairman, Devon Racial Equality Council

Sir, My wife and I will implement the Home Secretary’s advice for parents with immediate effect.

We will ensure that none of our four children will be groomed by any politician into thinking that the deployment of British and American troops in Iraq was justified.

SIMON LOVEGROVE
Lower Sunbury, Middx

Sir, Islam has unfortunately replaced communism as the rallying point for the world’s disaffected outsiders, who are spoiling for any chance to have a go at the symbols of success and influence. The best thing is probably to just keep quiet and let the security services do their job.

CIREP G. NOL
London

Sir, I have listened carefully to John Reid and as a British Muslim parent wish to make a public declaration of developing extremism in my children.

My family are supporters of Reading Football Club but my son is showing some extremist tendencies of sym- pathy to Manchester United.

Given that I am more likely to be stopped and searched, transported to unknown camps around the world for questioning and receive little help from my Government in the process, I wish to declare that we will all be within punching distance this weekend when Reading play Manchester United.

As a parent I am, of course, more concerned about the risks of drugs, alcohol, bullying in school, getting my children into higher education, student debt, sexually transmitted disease and unplanned pregnancy in our children.

I recognise, however, that despite my half Irish background with republican sympathies on that side of the family, that I shall be treated differently if my children show extreme tendencies compared to others of different religion who may also harbour extreme tendencies.

RIDZUAN FAROUK
Purley-on-Thames, Berks

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