From The BBC
The British government is to fund a board of Islamic theologians in an attempt to sideline violent extremists.
The move will see Oxford and Cambridge Universities host a group of scholars who will lead debate on key issues such as women and loyalty to the UK.
Under the plans, the two universities will bring together about 20 leading thinkers, yet to be named, to debate critical issues affecting Muslims in the UK. The Department for Communities is responsible for the government's strategy to combat violent extremism, known as "Prevent".
It will provide funding and support for the project but maintains that the board's work will be completely independent of political interference.  The board's work will focus on examining issues relating to Islam's place in Britain and obligations as a citizen.
Ministers say the board's membership will "reflect the diversity of Islam and Muslim communities in the UK" and the work will include seminars around the country.
Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra, a leading imam with the Muslim Council of Britain, said establishing a specialist board was the brainchild of a group of Muslims, not the government.
Ms Blears said the department's support for the project emerged out of debate with Muslim communities who asked ministers for help in supporting the work of key thinkers across the UK.  “We have made significant progress working with communities to build an alliance against violent extremists," said Ms Blears. "It is not for government to dictate on matters of faith or religious teaching. But Muslim communities themselves have told us that stronger leadership is needed on what are often controversial issues."
But Islamic groups who have clashed in the past with the government have already attacked the plans.
Taji Mustafa of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a group that fought government attempts to ban it, predicted that many ordinary Muslims would be suspicious. "The British government's interference amongst the Muslim community and matters of Islam, is unprecedented in comparison with any other religion," said Mr Mustafa.