In 2007, Prime Minister David Cameron (then the Conservative party leader) was the “unlikely house guest” of Abdullah and Shahida Rehman, a Muslim couple who were very active in their community of Balsall Heath. Recently,the Prime Minister has made headlines — in a speech last month he said parts of the Muslim community were “quietly condoning” views that supported extremism, and has supported counter-terrorism policies and legislation which focused on non-violent extremism.
The Guardian returns to the Rehman family, and asks what they now think of their old friend – and yes, through the years, they have continued a friendship, despite Mr. Cameron’s job promotion.
