15 APRIL 2006, Page 20

No contest

From Hugh Davies

Sir: What an absurd demographic comparison Irwin Stelzer makes between Blackburn and Birmingham, Alabama (‘The road from Alabama to Blackburn’, 1 April)! Blackburn’s Muslims have been there for only 30 to 40 years, Birmingham’s African–Americans four times as long. On the American timescale, it will not be until the end of the 21st century that Muslims in the north of England assimilate to the same happy extent as the blacks in southern USA. In the meantime, astute as she is, Dr Rice will have noticed during her visit a complete absence of signs on public buildings, buses, restaurants, etc., saying ‘No Muslims’.

Hugh Davies London SE28