Mainstream Islamism in Britain: Advocacy and Agitation

This chapter introduces some of the most active protagonists of mainstream Islamism in Britain today, and their goals and beliefs, including their desire for a comprehensive social transformation in line with what they deem as fundamental Islamic values. It notes a shift from advocacy work to higher profile agitational campaigns. It also highlights several important spheres of activity and policy areas in which they are particularly active: counter-radicalisation and counter-extremism, and education. A key theme running through their work is the promulgation of grievance identity politics, evident in the persistent claim that Islamophobia is endemic in society and inherent to some government policy areas. The chapter concludes with remarks regarding the British Government's response to the challenges these mainstream Islamists present and some policy recommendations.