A dialogue London needs

The only people to benefit from a refusal to engage in a dialogue with eminent leaders of one of the world's major religions, which has more than a billion followers, would be al-Qaida and other terrorist groups who argue that such a dialogue between Islam and the west is impossible (Livingstone faces formal investigation, November 11). Yusuf al-Qaradawi has repeatedly condemned al-Qaida and other terrorist groups. He called upon Muslims to give blood to the victims of the September 11 attacks in the US. He has condemned the kidnapping and killing of hostages in Iraq and assisted efforts to try to secure their release.

I don't agree with Dr Qaradawi, or indeed some leaders of other world religions, on a number of issues, including lesbian and gay rights. We will doubtless continue to differ on some of these issues. But dialogue is essential to break down prejudice and increase mutual understanding.

I have no doubt that the efforts to prevent a terrorist attack in London would have been gravely weakened without the support we have received from the capital's Muslim communities.

The Conservative group in the London assembly, by attempting to block such a dialogue, is, however unintentionally, acting as a recruiting sergeant for the likes of al-Qaida.

Ken Livingstone
Mayor of London

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