London, UK, September 26, 2009 – The Foreign Office is flying in senior UK diplomats to talk to British Muslims who live in "terror hotspots" as part of its efforts to prevent domestic and international extremism.

Sir Christopher Prentice, the British ambassador to Iraq, will travel to High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire tomorrow to speak to an audience of young British Muslims to counter the idea that the west is at war with Islam and that Iraqis are suffering because of western military intervention.

The scheme started earlier this year but has not been promoted publicly by the FCO. Previous events have included Britain's new high commissioner to Pakistan, Adam Thomson, speaking in Birmingham last month about concerns regarding relations between the two countries.

In another session, Britain's ambassador to Tunisia, Chris O'Connor, visited Reading to discuss British Muslims' impressions of foreign policy in the Middle East.

High Wycombe, Birmingham and Reading have the highest risk of producing violent extremists in the UK according to the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism, which several years ago produced a map to help the Home Office allocate resources in its fight against terrorism. Nationally, Birmingham holds the number one position on the map, while High Wycombe tops the chart in the south-east.

Mohammed Abbasi, a community group leader who co-ordinated the Midlands meeting, said he welcomed the initiative, but pointed out that the diplomats had an agenda to push a positive message.

"If you can get young people talking about the issues rather than getting angry then that's a good thing. Otherwise they think the government doesn't want to listen," he said.

The FCO said its delegates at the events were not spokesmen for the government, but represented the UK and its communities. "They are free to express their opinions. The delegates may not always agree with the government's policy during the visits but are valued as being British, Muslim and citizens of the UK," the FCO said.

The "flying diplomat" scheme is part of the FCO's wider initiative to counter terrorism and prevent extremism. Since 2005 it has sponsored more than 30 delegations to Muslim-majority countries in its Projecting British Muslims programme. Last year there were 11 visits to 13 countries, including Pakistan, Sudan, Bangladesh, Somaliland, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia and Afghanistan.

Issues discussed at the meetings include the treatment of students, radicalization and the relationship between the UK and Muslim countries.

On its website the FCO says the programme is to "challenge misconceptions overseas about the reality of life for Muslims in Britain – by showcasing the integral role Muslims play in British society".

Source: The Guardian, September 23, 2009

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