Hazel Blears: It's time to hear Muslim women speak out

Finally a good idea.

The Cabinet minister at the heart of Gordon Brown's new "hearts-and-minds" campaign to defeat Muslim extremism called today for women to be given a bigger role in British mosques.

In an interview with Daily Mail sister paper Evening Standard, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said: "When I meet people on my visits I will expect women and young people to be present.

"Women have a real influence. I don't believe men should be speaking for women. I think their views should be at the heart of this debate ... they have a big influence on the young men in their communities."

Her remarks reflect a shift in government thinking on how to persuade young Muslims away from extremism, including greater focus on women and youth organisations and less deference to the older and mainly male Muslim leaders.