British Minister Says Prejudice Against Islam Accepted In Britain

Sayeeda Warsi

The first Muslim woman to sit in the British cabinet is warning that discrimination against Muslims in Britain has become socially acceptable.

Sayeeda Warsi, co-chairman of Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative Party and a minister without portfolio, also says Britain is becoming a less tolerant society.

Her comments came in excerpts of a speech scheduled later today and released in advance.

Warsi says the notion that all followers of Islam can be described as either "moderate" or "extremist" can fuel misunderstanding and intolerance.

The issue of extremism has become a key issue in Britain since the 2005 bombings in London by four British-born Muslims that killed 52 people.

compiled from agency reports