Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6718235.stm

Tony Blair says he wants more Muslim imams trained in UK universities, to reduce reliance on imams from overseas.

There are concerns that imams from another country may not understand British society or speak good English.

He also pledged a £1m boost for Islamic studies at university after a report criticised the quality of teaching.

He told a London conference politicians must listen to moderate voices. Critics said the conference excluded those who had opposed government policies.

In a speech at the conference, hosted by Cambridge University, Mr Blair said his ambition was that more imams and religious leaders could be trained in the UK.