Archbishop ignites Sharia law debate

By Paul Majendie

LONDON (Reuters) - Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, spiritual leader of the world's Anglicans, said on Thursday the introduction in Britain of some aspects of sharia, Islamic law, was unavoidable.

His unexpected comments were welcomed by some Muslim groups, but the government was quick to distance itself from them, saying it was out of the question that the principles of sharia could be used in British civil courts.

Williams, speaking to the BBC, said other religions enjoyed tolerance of their laws in Britain and he called for a "constructive accommodation" with Muslim practice in areas such as marital disputes.

Asked if the adoption of sharia was necessary for community cohesion, Williams said: "It seems unavoidable.

"Certain conditions of sharia are already recognised in our society and under our law, so it is not as if we are bringing in an alien and rival system."

In response, Prime Minister Gordon Brown's office said: "There are instances where the government has made changes in regulations, for example to include sharia-compliant mortgage products, but in general terms, sharia law cannot be used as a justification for committing breaches of English law, nor can the principle of sharia law be used in a civilian court."

"The prime minister is clear that in Britain, British laws based on British values will apply," a spokesman said.

"There are specific instances that get looked at on a case-by-case basis," he added, but only if the change was consistent with British values.