1. The argument against multiculturalism goes like this. It was a mistake to allow different cultures to settle in the UK without expecting them to integrate. It has produced alienated young people who are not fully committed to mainstream British society. If young people do not feel they properly belong, there is a risk they will build allegiances to outside groups. That includes the small extreme sects of Islamist militants who are assumed to be behind recent suicide bombings. Is there a lot of guesswork here? Probably.
2. Widespread bashing of multiculturalism must have come as a bit of a disappointment for those who thought it was a good thing. Their belief was that welcoming and encouraging different ethnic and cultural styles is positive. It is good to celebrate diversity and the rich cultural variety of modern Britain. Many sympathise with this, but still say there needs to be a balance. Somehow we have not given enough attention to the Britishness of our society.
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