GOVERNMENT plans to regulate and inspect madrassas in England have been criticised by a Muslim community representative in Bradford.

Under the plans, any out-of-school setting providing intensive education would have to register and be open for inspection.

The Department for Education published plans yesterday and asked interested parties to comment before January 11.

The Government's key concerns include the potential harm caused to children by being exposed to extremist ideas, as well as the risk posed by abusers.

The report adds: "The Government is committed to safeguarding all children and protecting them from the risk of harm and extremism, including in out-of-school settings.

"Safeguarding children and protecting them from harm is everyone’s responsibility; everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play.

"Currently schools and childcare providers are regulated under child protection, education and/or childcare law.

"This helps ensure that pupils are properly safeguarded, including from the risk of radicalisation. Other harmful practices, such as corporal punishment, are banned and requirements are in place to ensure background checks are carried out on staff. These safeguards are not mandatory in out-of-school education settings and as a result children may be more vulnerable to the risk of extremism and other types of harm."

But Zulfi Karim, vice-president of the Bradford Council for Mosques, said the Government was "singling out" Muslim organisations in a "knee-jerk" reaction to radicalisation.

Mr Karim said: "We in Bradford have over 10,000 children attending supplementary schools daily in Bradford with over 100 Islamic institutions.

"The community has been operating mosques and madaris for over 50 years in Bradford without government intervention.

"Yes we need to do more to prevent abuse and we could be more inclusive. That's no different to society overall, these issues are not exclusive to the Muslim community alone.

"Like other voluntary sectors across all communities, over the years have struggled to grapple with child abuse within our institutions and governance can also be an issue, we are not alone in this area and as concerned, and yes more needs to be done to protect the vulnerable in society."

Mr Karim said radicalisation was a problem but there was no evidence of "smoking guns" in madrassas.

"People think we teach hatred and division within our institutions; my advice is come and look for yourselves.

"Our mosques and madaris are open to everyone and anyone. Places of worship are sacred and should be treated with respect."

He added: "Islam teaches tolerance and peace. This extremist ideology in located in political and economic scenarios and has no place in Islam. British Muslims do not associate with killing of innocent people anywhere and therefore should not be punished for the actions of a few."