Ruth Kelly speech to Muslim organisations on shared British values

Ruth Kelly speech to Muslim organisations on shared British values; INT Ruth Kelly (Communities and Local Government Secretary) speech SOT - Proud to be given job of making communities stronger / Job of challenges / Sucesses of our diverse society is that it is country where all races and religions live in tolerance and friendship / Society where contribution of those who have come to live here has enriched it in every way / Diversity underpins our successes, dynamism and international reputation / May be challenges / Rapid changes at a local level / Discrimination in Britain is outlawed / All have opportunity to practise religion freely / This Government introduced legislation to protect people on basis of faith / Creation of Commission on Equality and Human Rights will give support / This respect and recognition of different faiths is not about government being politically correct / We should not let short-term headlines swamp the many positives / Britain is a good place to be Muslim / British Muslims are central to our political, business and social life / Increasing number of Muslims in armed forces, police, parliament / They are there because of commitment and skills / This does not mean the UK is perfect / We have more to do to extend opportunity and prosperity to all / Not about preferential treatment / About equality / We have to do more to tackle discrimination / Where there are stresses and strains we must be able to rely on overwhelming majority of decent families to help us find a way through - In current climate anything that touches on integrating Muslim communities raises complex issues / Trying to sweep disagreements under carpet will be more dangerous than discussing them openly / Debate on the veil over last week is example of this / Wearing the veil is ultimately an issue of informed personal choice / No one is suggesting in a free and democratic country that the state should decided what its citizens can and cannot wear except in certain ...