Published: Wednesday, 25th February, 2009 12:59pm

MP's row over Muslim school

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A WAR of words has broken out between Slough MP Fiona Mactaggart and the town's first Muslim state school.

The Labour politician has been told she must retract previous criticisms about Iqra school's promoters before being allowed a formal visit.

She was so incensed by the snub that she took the debate to the speaker in the House Of Commons on Monday who advised her to invited the school's leaders to Westminster.

Ms Mactaggart, who is a former primary school teacher, said: "I cannot honestly issue a blanket statement of support for any school which I have not visited for myself, especially one which has yet to be inspected.

"I believe this demand is an attempt to silence criticism and to prevent me carrying out my responsibility. My first loyalty is to the children who attend the schools and their parents. I believe that this is because the governors have something to hide."

The controversy erupted when Ms Mactaggart penned a letter to all Slough schools asking for a visit.

The two camps have been feuding since 2006 when Ms Mactaggart publicly criticised the Slough Islamic School Project which the Government later awarded around £8m to run the school in Grasmere Parade, Slough.

Chairman of school governors Zafar Ali said: "We have not banned her from the school and she needs to stop using children as a political football.

"This damages the morale of Iqra children who have a new sense of pride and confidence. We have never stated we would not meet with her, but we deserve respect and will not be treated as second class. If she has a dispute with us then we are more than willing to sit with her and come to a resolution."

Read Friday's Observer for more.