PM backs Khan to lead drive against extremism

DOWNING STREET has defended the selection of campaigner Sara Khan to lead a new counterextremism drive.

The Government confirmed on Wednesday that Ms Khan will head up the newly created Commission for Countering Extremism.

Ms Khan, whose official title will be lead commissioner, is cofounder of Inspire, a counter-extremism and human rights organisation. Her website describes her as “one of the UK’s leading Muslim female voices on countering Islamist extremism and promoting human rights”.

However, she has been accused of being a “mouthpiece” for the Government by former Tory chairwoman Baroness Warsi, who described the move as “a deeply disturbing appointment”.

The Dewsbury-born peer wrote on Twitter: “Sara is sadly seen by many as simply a creation of and mouthpiece for the Home Office.” The Muslim Council of Britain also expressed “grave concerns” about the appointment.

Harun Khan, secretary general, said: “The fight against terrorism requires equal partnership between all parties, including Muslim communities. This appointment risks sending a clear and alarming message that the Government has no intention of doing so.”

But a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Ms Khan is “expertly qualified” to lead the Commission’s work and she will “bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the commission.”

Dame Louise Casey, the Government’s former integration tsar, also praised the “really important appointment” of Ms Khan.