British values to be taught to everyone; EDUCATION: Minister calms fears that Muslims will be singled out for citizenship class.

Byline: By Tony Collins

A GOVERNMENT minister today reassured the community that all British pupils would have to take new citizenship classes in schools.

His announcement came amid fears in some quarters that Muslim pupils would be singled out for the lessons.

Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell said: "Let's be clear, citizenship classes would be for all British pupils, not, as suggested, just for British Muslims.

"We want education to have a greater role in creating a stronger more cohesive society with common values.

"I want to build a greater sense of understanding of British culture and traditions."

Councillor Salma Yaqoob, who won the Sparkbrook seat for the Respect Party in the May elections, voiced concerns in the Birmingham Mail at Government plans to give Muslim pupils compulsory British citizenship classes in the wake of the July 7 terror attacks.

Mrs Yaqoob said: "Muslims in this country are already British. If Muslims are singled out for citizenship classes, it will only alienate them and make them feel like they are not really British at all.

"The Muslim community has already condemned extremism. You can't stop extremism through citizenship classes alone."

Mr Rammell announced a six-month review around whether teaching pupils about core British values should become a compulsory part of school for all 11-16-year-olds.

The review would look at a statutory citizenship curriculum covering the importance of free speech, how Britain is founded on freedom, democracy and liberty, and the contribution of different communities in building a strong, modern Britain.

The minister also said the Government wanted to look at whether the quality of Islam teaching in universities needed to be improved.