Imam calls survey findings 'deeply worrying'

The survey comes out ahead of a major Islamic convention in Alton, Hampshire

A survey ahead of a major Islamic convention has suggested four in 10 Britons think Muslim immigrants have a negative impact on the UK.

The YouGov poll was commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is preparing for the UK's biggest Muslim convention - the Jalsa Salana - this weekend in Alton, Hampshire.

It is expected to be attended by 40,000 followers of the faith.

The findings have been described by an imam as "deeply worrying", and showing "high levels of anti-Muslim sentiment" in Britain.

Sabah Ahmedi, 30, known as "the young imam" online, said he believed fear among people "stems from a lack of understanding of Islam".

"As a British Muslim, it is tragic to think that we are disliked or hated because of our religious beliefs," he said.

He encouraged people to "meet Muslims to see we are not a threat" and urged the media to "play a role as well".

He said the majority of Muslim immigrants in the UK "cherish its values of freedom and tolerance" with many working in service of the country, in the armed forces, NHS, police or in education.

The Union flag will be raised at this weekend's gathering "alongside the Islamic flag of our community, to symbolise that love of our faith and country go hand in hand", Mr Ahmedi said.

The YouGov survey of 2,130 adults in Great Britain in mid-July asked people if they felt different groups of immigrants by religion generally have a positive or negative impact on the UK.