Dundee Muslims today received a detailed response from the Government to a petition signed by over 300 people opposing the publication of the now notorious Danish cartoons which depicted the prophet Muhammad in a disrespectful manner.

Replying for the Government, Paul Goggins MP, the Minister responsible for this area of Government policy re-affirmed the Government’s view that:

‘Freedom of expression should be exercised with respect for the feelings and beliefs of others.’

Mr Goggins also praised the attitude and approach taken by British Muslims to this issue, one that was exemplified by the attitude taken in Dundee, saying that:

‘I am delighted that in Britain the response to the publication of the cartoons has… been respectful and restrained.’

The signatures for the petition were collected at mosques around Dundee and the final petition was taken to the Home Office on their behalf by the MP for Dundee West, Jim McGovern.

Mr McGovern commented: ‘It was a real privilege to present this petition to the Home Office and to get a response from the Government. The Islamic community in Dundee showed real leadership in the way they dealt with this issue.’

‘There was naturally a real concern among the Muslim community in Dundee and this has now been expressed at the highest level without violence or the drift to extremism. All credit should go to the Muslim leaders in Dundee.’

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