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  • Published: 15 February 2018
  • ISBN: 9780241276037
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $29.99

The Enemy Within

A Tale of Muslim Britain




A searing account of modern Britain from one of its most refreshing political voices

'The Muslims, or, more politely put, the Muslim communities, are described and most often referred to as a monolithic block. Well they - we - are not ... Most of us simply want to get on with our lives.'

Sayeeda Warsi, peer of the realm, could be considered part of the Establishment. So why does she wonder over half a century after her grandfather came to the UK whether the UK will still be a home for her grandchildren? Tracking the changing currents in British attitudes and policy towards Islam and unpicking the challenges for Muslims with brutal honesty, The Enemy Within offers solutions to the big issues of our time with much-needed clarity and humour.

  • Published: 15 February 2018
  • ISBN: 9780241276037
  • Imprint: Penguin Press
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $29.99

Praise for The Enemy Within

Sayeeda Warsi's integrity, intelligence and deep understanding of the challenges confronting the Muslim communities, the government and wider society make this a politically charged and invigorating read. A vital book at a critical time

Helena Kennedy QC

A hard headed, well-informed and intellectually coherent analysis of policy towards British Islam. Much of what Baroness Warsi reveals is deeply shocking. Again and again it turns conventional wisdom on its head. It deserves to promote a public debate on this subject which has been needed for more than 20 years

Peter Oborne

Sayeeda Warsi traces the recent travails of British Islam through her own remarkable journey from a working-class childhood in Yorkshire to a seat at the Cabinet table. She is an unsparing critic, whether of Muslims who practise intolerance or media-driven politicians who find virtue in "non-engagement". But the conclusion of this thoughtful and passionate book offers hope amid the gloom: with fresh policies and a dash of courage, the beast of division can be starved, and Britain strengthened to make its way in the world

David Anderson QC, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation

Eloquent ... Calm and clever reflection

Andrew Marr

Uniquely insightful

Tim Shipman, Sunday Times

Timely and thoughtful

Jenni Russell, Sunday Times

A unique perspective on British multiculturalism

Afua Hirsch, Guardian

The Enemy Within is vital reading for decision-makers in Whitehall and Fleet Street. It shows that we need more of the quality that terrorists signally lack: empathy with those different from ourselves

Sameer Rahim, Telegraph

[Warsi is] a trailblazer ... [She] writes with conviction

Spectator

The Enemy Within is such a comprehensive analysis it should be on the school syllabus as seminal ... It is only through the likes of Sayeeda Warsi that the UK stands any chance of establishing the social cohesion it needs with its Muslim population

Sir Alan Duncan

The book is a masterpiece of fine writing and wisdom. It is timely and much needed in rebutting the myths and fears that spread Islamophobia. It reaffirms the values of equal citizenship, free speech and the rule of law in our multicultural society. It is a wake-up call and a manifesto for politicians and media in combatting religious and racial discrimination

Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC

Compelling brave and honest

Shazia Awan (Broadcaster and Activist)

Engaging , thought provoking and a must read book by a trailblazer

Qari Asim (Leading UK Imaam and Member of HM Government's Sharia Review)

The Enemy Within has a refreshingly balanced approach - constructive critique of Muslim communities and government - and workable recommendations

Salma Yaqoob

Forthright and intelligent ... By tackling the "Muslim problem" head on, Lady Warsi has added to her accomplishments the feat of speaking truth to power ... It is as enjoyable to read about her devout, enlightened mother as about the pivotal points in her political career ... Thrilling and satisfying

Leila Aboulela, Guardian

Islamophobia is the Ku Klux Klan hatred of our time. This book is an antidote to the hypocrisy around Islam that has become such a poison in our public life. Warsi holds everyone - the state, the press, our Muslim communities - to the same standards of integrity and self-reflection. It throws down a gauntlet for all of us: to read it, understand it, and argue with it, with as much good faith as the author's

Clive Stafford Smith, Director of Reprieve and author of 'Bad Men' and 'Injustice'