Phylo
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Note: The objective of this post is statistical validation and perspective (and, essentially personal notes) - not a game of, 'Now I've Got You, You Son Of A Bitch' - see follow-on post for detail
HEATED Debate: Is Britain Still a Christian Country? Islamic Politicians Are Growing in Number.
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The claim that 90 percent of people on the UK terror list are Muslim is broadly consistent with some available data, but the exact percentage varies depending on the specific measure used and the time period referenced.
- Islamist terrorism is consistently identified as the most significant terrorist threat to the UK by volume123. According to the 2023 CONTEST report, Islamist terrorism represented 67% of attacks since 2018, 75% of MI5's caseload, and 64% of those in custody for terrorism-connected offences23.
- A 2020 report cited by Wikipedia states that of the 43,000 extremists on MI5's watchlist, around nine-tenths (90%) are Islamist extremists3. This figure aligns with the claim regarding the proportion of Muslims on the UK terror watchlist, as "Islamist extremist" in this context refers to individuals motivated by an extreme interpretation of Islam.
- Data from the UK prison service in 2010 showed that 87% of terrorism-related prisoners in Great Britain identified themselves as Muslim4. More recent Home Office data (up to March 2022) shows that 68% of those arrested for terrorism-related offences identified as Muslim5.
Summary:
The figure of 90% is accurate for the MI5 watchlist of suspected extremists as of 2020, but the proportion is lower for actual arrests, convictions, and attacks (ranging from about 64% to 87%, depending on the metric and year)543. Islamist extremism remains the dominant terrorist threat by volume in the UK, but not all individuals on the terror list or arrested for terrorism are Muslim, and the percentage varies by measure and over time.
A NOP Research survey broadcast by Channel 4 in August 2006 found that 62% of British Muslims said free speech should not be protected if it offends religious groups15. Specifically, when asked if free speech should be protected even if it offends religious groups, 62% responded "No, it should not"15. Additionally, 68% supported the arrest and prosecution of British people who "insult Islam," and 78% supported punishment for those who published cartoons featuring the Prophet Mohammed1.
This finding is consistent with other polling data from the mid-2000s, which indicated significant support among British Muslims for legal limits on speech perceived as offensive to Islam15. However, it is important to note that attitudes may have shifted over time, and more recent or broader surveys may yield different results. The cited survey remains one of the most referenced on this specific question.
A 2007 poll by Policy Exchange found that 36% of young British Muslims aged 16 to 24 agreed that apostates—those who leave Islam—should be punished by death8. This statistic has been widely cited in media and public discussions. However, it is important to note:
- This survey is now nearly two decades old, and no recent, large-scale UK-specific survey has replicated this exact finding.
- Attitudes may have shifted over time due to generational changes, integration, and broader societal influences.
- The majority of young UK Muslims did not support the death penalty for apostasy, even in this older poll8.
Summary: The claim that "one third of Muslims between 16 and 24 in the UK believe apostates should be put to death" is based on a 2007 survey, which found 36% agreement among young British Muslims at that time8. There is no recent UK data to confirm whether this figure remains accurate today.
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