Many years ago, I attended a leaders’ conference in Yorkshire, led by Dr Clifford Hill and his wife, Monica. In one session, they spoke extensively about the potential Islamic expansion in the UK. They spoke (prophetically at the time) of how Muslims would move into towns and villages across the country, forming an Islamic corridor from Bradford to Bristol, which would then expand outward. Their words sparked considerable discussion over coffee. Back then, it seemed improbable—but how different things look now.
Tim Dieppe has long warned of the dangers of Islamisation in the West and his passion is to equip Christians to understand and respond to Islam’s growing presence in the UK. As Head of Public Policy at Christian Concern, he has significant expertise and his book is meticulously researched, with facts, figures, and references from both Western and Islamic sources. Major UK cities such as Bradford, Birmingham, and Luton now have Muslim populations exceeding 30 per cent. In 2024, there were 31 UK voting constituencies where Muslims made up 20 per cent or more of the electorate.
(Photo – Tim Dieppe, who has meticulously researched Islam in Britain)
The opening chapter sets the scene with a stark picture of modern Britain. It recalls the Islamic influence behind attacks and threats against MPs. There was the murder of Sir David Amess in 2021, the stabbing of Stephen Timms in 2010, and the decision of Mike Freer to step down due to serious threats to his safety. Perhaps most disturbingly, the book reports that during a recent House of Commons debate on Gaza, an MP admitted to weighing up his personal safety before casting his vote.
Dieppe revisits the Salman Rushdie affair, when a ‘fatwa’ was declared against him for criticising Islam, creating a lasting climate of fear. He does not shy away from controversial topics, including sex-grooming gangs, primarily made up of Pakistani men. He explains why Christians should be concerned about ‘Islamic finance’ and asks questions such as, “Is Islam a religion of peace?” and “Is it antisemitic”?
Of course, the response of Christians should be to show the love of Jesus to everyone and Dieppe wants to equip Christians to respond with faith, not fear. The final chapters address whether the Christian God is the same as the Muslim God and outlines ten solutions to help Muslims integrate into British society.
There is much to learn from this book, and I recommend it to anyone seeking to understand and engage with Britain’s Muslim community.
The Challenge of Islam is published by Wilberforce Publications (207 pages)
Review by Gordon Pettie