Extremism Claim on Islamic school dismissed

David Cameron's allegation that a school was linked to Islamic extremism has been dismissed by authorities.

Investigations by Haringey Council found no evidence of "inappropriate influence" at the Islamic Shakhsiyah Foundation school, in Tottenham, north London.

The probe was launched several weeks before Mr Cameron attacked the Prime Minister during Question Time, claiming the ISF was an "extremist Islamist foundation" and was a front for radical Muslim group, Hizb ut Tahrir.

A spokesman for the authority said: "No evidence was found to suggest inappropriate content or influence in the school. The school is taking steps to make sure that pupils learn about different cultures and traditions, including joint work with a local Church of England primary school."

Nursery funding for the school - which was suspended during the inquiry - has resumed, the spokesman added.

He said: "We will continue to monitor the nursery school and if any other matters are raised, we will look into them immediately."

Teachers working at another ISF-run school in Slough said the foundation was being "used" by politicians.

Gordon Brown had promised to investigate the claims put forward by the Tory leader after Mr Cameron said: "Two schools have been established by an extremist Islamist foundation, the ISF, that is a front organisation for Hizb ut Tahrir.

"They have secured a total of £113,000 of Government money, some of which was from the Pathfinder scheme, whose objective is meant to be preventing violent extremism. Can you explain how this completely unacceptable situation came about?"

Mr Brown replied: "This will be looked into in every detail. But I'm told the two schools you referred to have been inspected. I will look at what the results of these inspections are and write to you."

UKPA, 11 December 2009