In the past couple of weeks, three events led to much heated discussion about the idea of “communities” in the West, and “community leaders” in particular: a Policy Exchange report (PDF) suggesting, among other things, that Muslim organisations wer…

As someone pointed out on your CiF thread, it seems to be the usual suspects who are so vociferous. On a quick look through the comments about 80% seem to be agreeing with you, 10% disagreeing and 10% off on some ego trip. That would make any democratic politician pleased as Punch.

I must say I wondered what you were going to write and I, too, was deeply impressed. Excellent article.

Personally I don’t know any of the signatories, so lack the luxury of being able to take Stephen Fry, for example, to one side, and tell him what ramifications I feel are likely.

I regret the furore the advertisement has caused, but surely this is exactly what was required, things not being discussed within a shuttered room, and a general washing of our dirty linen in public.

As for being surprised at how vociferous we are, when you get a group of us together, everybody’s shouting ‘Listen to me! This is important!’ Sound familiar?