SchoolsAllegations about Muslim plot to take over U.K. schools rock Britain
Stories have emerged in Britain about what has been described as a “Trojan Horse” plot by Jihadists to take control of schools in the Birmingham area. The plot was outlined in a purported letter from one Muslim extremist in the city of Birmingham to another. The letter outlines tactics such as spreading false allegations about senior managers that they were promoting sex education or Christian prayers to Muslim children. Law enforcement and counterterrorism officials now admit the document is very likely a hoax, but the city of Birmingham has launched an investigation. The other day, Secretary of Education Michael Gove announced his office was launching its own investigation, to be headed by Peter Clarke, former head of Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command. Leaders of the West Midland Police and the Birmingham city council harshly criticized Gove for his decision – which the Chief Constable of the West Midland Police described as “desperately unfortunate” – saying it would add nothing to the ongoing investigations, but would unnecessarily inflame the already tense inter-communal relations in the city. Leaders of the city council said Gove’s move would “inevitably” lead people to “draw unwarranted conclusions” about the allegations.
Chris Sims, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police and one of Britain’s most senior policemen, has harshly criticized Michael Gove, the U.K. secretary of education, of lending credence to speculation about an alleged Muslim plot to take over schools by appointing Peter Clarke, the anti-terrorism chief who oversaw the 7 July bombings investigation to oversee inquiries.
Sims said the decision to call in Clarke, former head of Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command, to investigate claims about schools in Birmingham was “desperately unfortunate.”
Sims, whose criticism of Gove was echoed by the leader of Birmingham City Council Sir Albert Bore and local MPs, said Gove’s move would “inevitably” lead people to “draw unwarranted conclusions” about the allegations that hardline elements in the Muslim community in Birmingham had orchestrated a dirty tricks campaign to increase their influence.
Gove insisted, however, that he wanted to “get to the bottom” of the allegations and end the uncertainty which was interfering with children’s education.
The Telegraph reports that Clarke has been appointed as a special commissioner to review evidence of an alleged plan to drive out non-compliant heads and governors in the city.
The Birmingham City Council said it was now examining about 200 lines of inquiry involving twenty-five schools.
The Telegraph notes that there have been allegations about similar tactics being employed in Bradford and Manchester, although authorities in both cities said there were no investigations being undertaken into any specific allegation there.
The clash between Gove, on the one hand, and leaders of Birmingham and the West Midland police, on the other hand, involves claims about a “Trojan Horse” — a purported plot outlined in an anonymous letter from one Islamic leader in Birmingham to another, discussing “Jihad” techniques for taking control of schools.
Law enforcement and counterterrorism officials now admit the document may have been a hoax.
The fake letter outlines tactics such as spreading false allegations about senior managers such as that they were promoting sex education or Christian prayers to Muslim children.
Birmingham city officials described the document as “spurious,” but still said the claims in it should be investigated.
Gove explained that his decision to appoint Clarke is an indication of the level of seriousness he attached to the document and the claims made in it.
He said: “I am extremely concerned by the allegations made in connection to a number of schools in Birmingham.
