Anti-terror laws must protect citizens from “ideological psychopaths” and bring communities together, an MP has warned.

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins, the former leader of Bradford Council, said he wanted the Muslim community to feel safe, be successful and to play a full part in British society.

Speaking in the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill debate, Mr Hopkins warned: “The Government have the difficulty achieving a balance between ensuring safety and not alienating communities from one another.”

The Conservative MP was speaking after Ministers identified Bradford and Leeds as being among 25 areas where funding will be targeted in a bid to prevent home grown terrorism.

The inclusion of the two cities among the 25 priority areas – 16 of which are London boroughs – means they will get extra funding for programmes run under the Prevent strategy.

Mr Hopkins said measures introduced by the previous Government were a “hugely derogatory gesture”.

He said: “My chief executive was brought to London and was told that the binmen had to look out for bombs and devices. Good-minded, good individuals, if they spot a bomb, a device or something suspicious, do not need the government to ask them to pick the phone up and tell somebody. They do it because they are good citizens of this country.”

Mr Hopkins reminded MPs of the Bradford riots tens years ago and how the September 11 attacks in the United States later that year led to more unease.

“The tension and suspicion were evident in the pub and the street and when one talked to friends; racists had a field day,” he said. “What the terrorists wanted had happened.

“After the Iraq invasion, seen by many in the district as illegal, the dividing line with the Muslim community appeared even greater, so the community, led by the council and other agencies, set about mending bridges.

“Indeed, bridges were often created for the first time.”

Over the next five years, he explained, there were school exchanges across the district, people were brought together and cross-community sports were promoted.

Mr Hopkins agreed there was a need for “strong anti-terror laws” but communities must not be alienated.

He said: “When I talk to people from the Muslim community, I hear that they feel battered. Good people who have no hatred in their hearts are looked on with suspicion by others and have been subjected to some of the knee-jerk reactions.”

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