well what if he were not accepting a cultural cause. I can understand his reluctance - there really isn't a stereotypical Pakistani. I'm sure we all know people from that eytnic grouping who would never act in a bad way - like we are debating. however there is some weird stuff coming from the people holding forth in the mosques.

The week after the Rushdie story broke, there were little kids in the first and second year in the Derby Comp where i worked, saying that they wanted to kill Rushdie, and i don't mean one or two kids.

The older kids you could debate with, and they liked that. But young kids - you don't want to be seen to be disrespecting their cultural and community leaders.

I don't know what the answer is. I do know theres nowt to be gained by suspecting vile motives and being horribly rude about other people you are debating with.