Diversity makes city stronger – not ‘jihadi capital of Britain’

THE Prime Minister insisted Birmingham was stronger because of its diverse population, despite links to last week’s horrific terror attack in Wertsminster.

Mrs May said while arrests had been made in Birmingham after the attack which led to four deaths plus terrorist Khalid Masood, there had also been arrests in other parts of the country.

It follows a series of national reports describing Birmingham as“the jihadi capital of Britain”.

Mrs May said: “As I look across the whole country, we see people from different parts of the country who have been radicalised, some of whom will have been involved in potential terrorist activity.

“There have been arrests here in Birmingham and there have been arrests over time in various parts of the country.

“The challenge for us is making sure that we deal with and address the hatred of the extremists, wherever it is. We want to be welcoming and recognising the strength of the diversity of our populations, and you see that here in Birmingham particularly.”

Mrs May said a study into integration commissioned by the Government from Dame Louise Casey had also highlighted the importance of sharing economic success, adding: “I think we have a wider issue in terms of participation in the economy. We need to make sure that we are truly developing a society where success is based on merit, not privilege.”