In a landmark speech from Downing Street earlier today, Tony Blair warned that extreme religious groups would not be tolerated in Britain today. "This is a multicultural society" he said "with deeply ingrained values of tolerance and liberty".
His comments were targeted mainly at some of the more radical Muslim groups now operating in Britain, whom he said he "hated with a passion". However, he warned that there would be no place either for the bigots of the far right, telling the audience unequivocally "I hate them too".
Blair also said that he believed everyone in Britain had the right to be different and to celebrate their beliefs. He said he thought that over long beards looked "ridiculous", and the wearing of veils over women's faces "looks awful", but stressed that all groups were free to grow facial hair or dress in whatever fashion they chose.
The prime minister concluded by rubbishing the claims of one group that Britain was a divided and intolerant nation. "That sort of statement is typical of that lot. If they don't like it, they should get out now," he thundered.
