Most Brits fear Islam - poll

The Union Flag is raised outside the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, south London

- Search: More on Islam
- Spirituality on AOL
- Have your say

Most people in the UK feel threatened by Islam, according to a new poll.

The news comes as the Government launches a bid to tackle inter-faith tensions.

The YouGov survey for the Daily Telegraph found 53 per cent were concerned about the impact of the religion - not just fundamentalist elements - up 21 per cent from 2001.

There had also been a near doubling of the number agreeing that "a large proportion of British Muslims feel no sense of loyalty to this country and are prepared to condone or even carry out acts of terrorism''.

A total of 18 per cent backed the statement - compared with just one in 10 in the wake of the terrorist bombings in London last July.

And there was a seven point slump, to 16 per cent, in those believing "practically all British Muslims are peaceful, law-abiding citizens who deplore terrorist acts as much as anyone else''.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly has launched a Commission on Integration and Cohesion as part of the Government's response to the 7/7 bombings.

She called for an "honest debate'' on how to best to bind communities and conceded multiculturalism may have led to isolation for some.

The YouGov poll surveyed 1,757 adults across Great Britain online between August 22 and August 24.