Blears stands by cohesion target

Hazel Blears has defended the local area agreement indicator on tackling violent extremism that has been shunned by many councils for fear of antagonising Muslim communities (LGC, 29 May).

The communities secretary said: "For most other indicators, local government is used to doing it. But this is relatively new business and I've been quite heartened by the number of local authorities who are keen to do it and looking for further support.

"Some people are a bit nervous over this [cohesion] agenda — it's a sensitive area."

Ms Blears spoke after the  government announced an additional £12.5m funding to combat radicalism.