Witnessing the predictable hysteria surrounding the Casey review has been a curious activity. I expected the report to be called Islamaphobic but to label it as racist surprised even me. Banal accusations of racism and discrimination weaken real acts of hate and xenophobia.

Some of the detractors have clearly not read the 199 page report; like any decent publication, it is thought provoking.

Yes, some of the language is clumsy and it focuses on Muslims (though as the largest growing minority, that seems understandable). It could have been clearer when describing problematic elements within communities that they do not represent communities as a whole. There are also gaps between connecting regressive government policy and the impact on integration: there seems to be no answer to the contradiction of successive governments supporting, even encouraging, faith schools and the possible negative consequences this may have on lived experiences between personal and public life. There is no specific recommendation on supporting white working class boys who so often get left behind and are at risk of radicalisation from right-wing extremism. Casey gives scant acknowledgment that continuously cutting local government funding seriously impacts on local initiatives that do huge amounts to encourage cohesion.

Do not let those few shortcomings distract from the overall solidness of the report. It is a powerful piece of work, which should be read and acted upon. I welcome the report not least because Louise Casey seems to be one of the few people willing to address some of the most uncomfortable social and cultural challenges our society faces. I have yet to hear a politician from the left be honest about these issues and many on the right seem to resort to racist bile.

The recommendations are sensible. Who doesn’t welcome a community investment fund, investment in English classes (significantly cut under the coalition government), building universal British values that are rooted in equality? Here we have a report that’s enterprising and forward-looking.

It makes one wonder about the agenda of those who have reacted so negatively to it. This is not an either/or situation. One can be against Islamophobia and discrimination and also fight extremism and injustice within our communities. Unfortunately groups like the increasingly obsolete Muslim Council of Britain, a classic case of an empty vessel making a lot of noise, is too busy preaching a monoculture of Islam that is not reflective of Islamic practices. Run mostly by men for men, in the last decade it has been a problematic but convenient mouthpiece in the media. The fact it is not remotely representative or relevant to the majority of ordinary Muslims doesn’t seem to matter. The Muslim Youth Helpline noted this as far back as 2010, in their Young Muslim British Muslims and Relationships report. Latterly, Policy Exchange’s Unsettled Belonging report 2016 reinforced the MCB as ‘gatekeepers who the community should not be left hostage to.’ I would call on government and the mainstream media to diversify their roll call of community representatives. If they need a hand, I have a long list of civil leaders and activists that are more then happy to engage.

This defensiveness from the gatekeepers causes bother for all of society, not least the very people they are purporting to ‘speak for.’ As a Muslim, I don’t apologise for terrorism when the perpetrator is Muslim because thankfully I am not a murdering bastard. Likewise, I do not take it personally when a Muslim is accused of any other abhorrent crime because I want criminals who commit those crimes to be locked up and justice served. My faith teaches me to stand up against injustice wherever it takes root. It does not include a ‘get out of jail’ card for other Muslims. Faith in and of itself is not the issue. I believe a society is richer for the diversity of religious practices. But like unfettered capitalism, it too can be dangerous if left unrestrained. Maybe, when we hear the left cry against neoliberalism we should ask them to stand for equality for all too.

What I find seriously offensive is that the usual loud voices stay silent when an act is committed, just because the perpetrator is Muslim. I know of schools that turn a blind eye to parents taking their daughters out of swimming classes at the age of 10. I know of one school that had so many complaints from Muslim parents it just stopped swimming lessons for years five and six. A publicly funded, local authority school. In England.

Even worse, many child sexual abuse crimes have elicited total radio silence from local Muslim communities. No rallies for justice for the victims, no collaborative working with the police or CPS, nada, nothing, move on please. This is usually done with some on the liberal left colluding rather than fighting. Whether that’s for a quality education system for all, or justice for all abuse victims or challenging cultural practices that are better suited to other climates, many bury their head in the sand. Anything for a quite life.

The problem is, the noise has to come out someone. Issues about faith and state are not going to go away. Muslims like myself have to inject some honesty into these debates. We do need a strong British identity and common values that unite us. These values need to uphold our equalities legalisation not water it down. In the top trumps of rights, faith should have no more sway then secular rights. We should celebrate our rich cultural and social diversity. I love hearing stories from the elders in my family about life in Kashmir, the richness and beauty of it, is quite magically. Equally, I used to love sitting drinking tea, eating biscuits and watching Crossroads with my mum and siblings. Like many of my second-generation contemporaries, I fought for gender equality, questioned cultural norms, championed pluralism and fought against homophobia. Like many first generation families, mine adapted as culture does not stand still.

My faith was never compromised in any of those battles because it is strong and rooted in compassion, mercy and social justice. Values my parents instilled in us and for which I am eternally grateful. I will be dammed if I am going to stand by and let the hard-earned community and cultural equalities, my sisters and I fought for go by the wayside because some loudmouth minority wants to assert their macho version of my faith.

All of us have a responsibility to critique, challenge and hold government, politicians, media and those in power to account. By the same token, we must uphold our collective values and shape British values that reflect our pluralistic society. That includes holding a mirror up to cultural, social or religious practices that contradict equality for all. You shouldn’t throw stones if you live in glass houses, and the Casey Review has lobbed a boulder into our communities. How we respond is key to building a secure, cohesive nation. If some sections of some communities continue to just play the victim card, don’t be surprised if the medicine becomes increasingly sour.

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Amina Lone is co-director of Social Action and Research Foundation trustee of the Henna Foundation

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