Divided We Stand

It is still not entirely clear to me what drove David Cameron to make such a provactive speech in Munich today.

Generally, PMs, as statesmen, are expected to promote social unity and reject divisive rhethoric. This sounded more like some tired and emotional junior minister going"off-script" than a PM's prepared text.

To declare multiculturism as a total failure, is a bewildering statement which cannot realistically be based on fact, only ideology. In Britain in 2011 we have distinct communities of Poles, West Indians, Irish, Somalis, Jews, Chinese, Indians, Pakistanis and many more. Is it all such an abject failure?

In most parts of the country the diversity marked by mutual peaceful co-existence is a source of pride not fear nor resentment. Of course there are residues of intolerance and hatred embodied by groups such as English Defence League (pictured) and it was abysmal timing for Cameron to bark out his ill-advised speech when the EDL was simultaneously intimidating the residents of Luton with their agressive racial message.

When Cameron tried to provide detail about what he meant, it was clear his 'attack' was restricted to British Moslems and nobody else. He cited the 'soft left''s tolerance of outrages like arranged marriage. Popycock. Labour introduced legislation on just that issue, set up units in Home Office and Met to uphold women's rights in these communities. Where there is a lack of integration, it is often poverty and a dearth of social opportunity which strengtens isolation not a particular religious culture.

Having warmed to his theme, Cameron then took the logical leap of suggesting this apathy and moral cowardice of the left had allowed terrorism to thrive. Bit of a jaw-dropping moment that. It gave the impression this was what he wanted to address all along and the rest was just a preamble. He hung the whole speech on an absolutist quest to restore British 'values' into every house and every street in the land. These values are not proscribed so are always in some way subjective. In the end, it amounted to the PM declaring too many Muslims to be, on the whole, not very British and, frankly, we've just about had enough of it .

He used a curious phrase, calling on more "muscular liberalism". The least tolerant in British society will be encouraged by the PM's speech, they may not be familiar with liberal aspect but they are all to eager to deploy the muscular.