Everyone has extremists in their society - to say extremism only comes from Muslims and Islam is unfortunate

Ajmal Masroor Muslim Council of Britain

President Bush and Tony Blair have gone out of their way to emphasise that the terrorists were not representative of Islam and call for calm.

But politicians' condemnation has not prevented a number of hate crimes in the UK linked with anger at the World Trade Center attacks.

Ajmal Masroor, a spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain, said it was hoped the meeting would help tackle the "actions, behaviour and attitude" which had made life uncomfortable for UK Muslims.

Many victims

"It can show to the masses that whatever faith you come from, you still stand for harmony, peace and justice and you don't tolerate anyone being intolerant.

"Unfortunately, [intolerance] has happened to many people around the UK.

"If America and Britain or the allies decide to bomb Afghanistan it may repeat itself and it may become worse."

Mr Masroor said his own family had suffered abuse.

Global extremism

"My sister has been called a terrorist as she was going to school.

"Everyone has extremists in their society. To say extremism only comes from Muslims and Islam is unfortunate.

"We have seen extremists in the Irish conflict.

"Not only do we see religious extremists, we have secular extremists.

"It is unacceptable in any civilised society."