“The world’s largest religion is now number one faith in Greater Manchester. This is the conclusion which could be drawn from last weekend’s distinctly non-British spectacle when the city’s first Islamic Mayor was inaugurated in the city chambers.
“The ceremony on May 22nd appeared as if would be more suitable at home in the Middle East or Pakistan, than Britain’s third largest city. The swearing in of mayor Afzal Khan took place against a background chanting of ‘Tala Al-Badru Alayna’ sung in Arabic and was followed by recitations from the Koran. Only after this clear mark of an alien faith was stamped on the proceedings were prayers said, ‘of other religions’.”