Many Muslims are being radicalised by “hate preachers” and extremists who incite violence against others, a seminar of east London’s Asian community leaders was told.

The seminar held in the wake of last month’s Woolwich killing of Army drummer Lee Rigby condemned the violence alleged to have been carried out “in the name of Islam”.

Speakers pledged to work together to counter “the messages of hatred, fear and division” in communities in the name of religion and urged the government to challenge the source of extremist narratives.

Guest speaker at the seminar held at Whitechapel’s Micro Business centre was former Home Office Minister Sir Peter Lloyd (pictured).

Other speakers included UK Awami League president Sultan Mahmud Sharif, Centre for Secular Space director Gita Sahgal, barrister Nora Sharif, Tower Hamlets Labour Party chair Chris Weavers, Newham councillor Khali Kazi and Waltham Forest councillor Abu Samih.