Government Stops "Pussy-footing around"

At a meeting earlier this month the government decided it was time to properly deal with radical Islam. Top ministers and security personnel met in private and, after hearing of the radicalisation of the Muslim youth in Britain, decided to play hard ball.

Since that meeting, on October 12, there has been the whole debate surrounding the Muslim veil and, more importantly, Ruth Kelly's comments about the funding of Muslim groups.

One ministerial source said: "There is a feeling that the government have decided to stop pussy-footing around. I can't say this was on the agenda at any meeting, but there has clearly been a conscious decision to take the gloves off."