Abstract
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The recent landmark election results in 2010 witnessed the end of an era for Labour under Gordon Brown and the herald of a new political landscape with the Coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. The challenges for the new coalition are no less daunting than they were under the former government. The need to examine aspects of British identity from political and cultural perspectives has never been more poignant, especially in the face of continuing threats from domestic and international extremism – both far right and religious. The defeat of the BNP in Dagenham last year, resulting in all of its twelve councilors failing to be reelected can be considered a positive outcome for British politics so far as right wing extremism is concerned. The increase in Muslim MPs is also considered by many as another positive for British politics. While these apparent achievements may reflect the more appealing façade of the political climate, a redefining of who and what represents Muslim identity in 21</span><span class="s2"><sup>st</sup></span><span class="s1"> century Britain is necessary in view of the increasing misunderstanding and rictus gap between wider non-Muslim society and Muslim communities.</span>
Highlights
It can be argued that the very question of legitimacy is what underscored part of the Liberal Democrats’ reasoning to align themselves with the Conservatives and form a coalition government
The failure to examine and challenge the legitimacy of self-publicised stories or claims can be damaging to some of the communities from where these individuals or groups first emerge. Such negligence in ascertaining the legitimacy of claims for the moral high ground have led to a proliferation of personalities either claiming a return from extremism, a return within the fold of democratic society as ‘prodigal sons’ or as experts in the field of counter-radicalisation and extremism
Much criticism has been leveled against the Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) Funding; to a certain degree it is valid, especially insofar as it relates to the ineffectiveness of some organisations that received funding
Summary
It can be argued that the very question of legitimacy is what underscored part of the Liberal Democrats’ reasoning to align themselves with the Conservatives and form a coalition government. The chameleon-like characteristic of adapting to new environments and circumstances in order to fit either public or government perceptions or agendas should be a warning sign to policy makers and practitioners alike, in the latters’ race to provide ‘quick-fix’ solutions to counter violent radicalisation and terrorism among British Muslims today.
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