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# Conservative candidate says Muslims have a responsibility to make sure they integrate
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/conservative-candidate-says-muslims-have-a-responsibility-to-make-sure-they-integrate/
- Published: 2017-06-02T10:00:41.000Z
- Updated: 2017-06-02T10:00:41.000Z
- Description: Muslims have a responsibility to integrate into British society, the Conservative General Election for Lichfield and Burntwood has claimed.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: GE2017, Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:27, News

Muslims have a responsibility to integrate into British society, the Conservative General Election for Lichfield and Burntwood has claimed.

[![Michael Fabricant (centre) speaking at the hustings event in Lichfield alongside Paul Ray (left) and Robert Pass](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/34978882256_40afd4efe8_o.jpg)](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2017/06/02/conservative-candidate-says-muslims-have-a-responsibility-to-make-sure-they-integrate/34978882256%5F40afd4efe8%5Fo/)

Michael Fabricant (centre) speaking at the hustings event in Lichfield alongside Paul Ray (left) and Robert Pass

The issue of tolerance of different sections of society was raised at a hustings event held at Wade Street Church.

Michael Fabricant – who is hoping to retain the seat he has held since it was formed in 1997 – admitted the issue was a difficult one to discuss.

“We have to be tolerant of other sectors of the community,” he said. “But I am of Jewish descent, although not a practicing Jew, and Jews have a belief that ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’. That means learning the language etc.

“I’ve got to say that the Islamic community also has a responsibility to integrate. I’m not one who would go as far as France has and say we should ban the burka. But I do think integration is not helped if you cannot see the person.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Paul Ray said he was pleased that the lack of a UKIP candidate in Lichfield would see less inflammatory tones on such debates.

“We have a responsibility to use inclusive language,” he said. “Policies calling for a burka ban are disgraceful.”

Robert Pass, standing for the Green Party said the struggles facing ordinary people had led to a lack of tolerance in society.

“Our society has long been known for its freedom and openness,” he said. “But I fear that is starting to slip.

“Cuts by the Conservatives do not help unity. Instead they create a culture where people are looking around for someone to blame for the problems they are facing.”