SURVEY FINDS MUSLIMS MORE BRITISH

Many black or Asian people living in Britain feel stronger ties to the country than whites do, according to a new government survey. The findings put Muslims at the top of the poll, led by 91 per cent of citizens of Bangladeshi origin, followed by Indians and Pakistanis, compared with an average of only 84 among the white population who said they felt they belong strongly to Britain. The Citizenship Survey, which is published every two years, is aimed at measuring the success of efforts to help minorities integrate and encourage a common sense of nationhood. The findings, which confirm the results of other surveys, are contrary to the negative images of Muslims portrayed in the British media. An ICM poll published in August as part of the BBC Asian Network’s Asian Nation season, found that Muslims felt more British than other religious groups. A Gallup poll in April also concluded that Muslims are more likely to identify with Britain and have confidence in its institutions than the population of the country as a whole.