THE leader of the Muslim Parliament has called for followers to confront extremism if they are to live in peace in Britain.

Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, who lives in Chesham, told more than 3,000 people at a Muslim conference in Birmingham that they must end "denial" of their role in creating conditions leading up to the bombings in London on July 7, and reclaim Islam from the extremists.

He said Islam was about "social justice, tolerance and equality," and had tolerated for too long the presence of an "intolerant" Islamic movement within their ranks.

He said: "We must challenge this evil theology which motivates and inspires young people to become suicide bombers."

Dr Siddiqui, who attends the Chesham mosque, added that Muslim schools should take on non-Muslim pupils to create the multi-cultural mix found in modern-day society.

He stressed that muslims must reject any ideology which does not respect human life, honour and dignity, and must condemn suicide bombing as a weapon of resistance or revenge under any circumstances.

The conference also issued a fatwa declaring suicide bombing a crime and an un-Islamic act.

In his speech, Dr Siddiqui also questioned the way mosques are run in Britain, saying that most are not equipped to deal with young people.

He said many still did not allow women to use mosque facilities, and did not have the staff equipped the necessary Islamic knowledge, experience or professionalism.

He said: "Young people have drifted away either because they were banned from discussing controversial issues in the mosque or found nothing inspiring on offer there. Our mosques are largely tribal and controlled by old men on the dole with no understanding of the changing world around them."

He also suggested that Muslim charities should change their funding priorities, with more money being allocated to causes in Britain like the arts and theatre.

But Mr Mohammed Zafar, leader of Chesham mosque believes it is not a reflection of the state of mosques in general.

He said: "There may be problems with one or two places, but here in Chesham we have no problems. Women are able to use the mosques, there is a healthy mix of young and old people, and the young people respect the elder leaders."