Higher education minister Bill Rammell announced Islamic studies at degree level will be designated a 'strategically' important subject.

This is in response to the findings of the independent review “Universities in England – meeting the needs and investing in the future” by Dr Ataullah Siddiqui which was published eight weeks ago. Islamic studies is to be designated “strategically” important because of its contribution to the UK's political and cultural capital. This is due to its role in promoting the understanding of Islam in context of the world today.

This decision is hoped to contribute to the prevention of violent extremism in the name of Islam and improve community cohesion. Bill Rammell said:

“Dr Siddiqui’s review provides a thoughtful and helpful contribution to a particularly complex and sensitive subject. The effective and accurate delivery of Islamic studies within our universities is important for a multitude of reasons including wider community cohesion and preventing violent extremism in the name of Islam which is why I am announcing that I have asked HEFCE to designate Islamic studies as a strategic subject.”

Opposers to the recommendations have said that this would move the country closer to imposing Islam in the United Kingdom as "a religion of state." The Barnabas Fund which works primarily with Christians in Muslim-majority environments said the report "signals another step toward the Islamisation of Britain and its education system" However, the critics have been dismissed by both Muslims and some government ministers as over-exagerated, Bill Rammell said;

“Islamic studies has existed as a subject within our universities since 1632 and is a subject which has had sustained academic interest since that point. But, it is important that the study of Islamic studies within Higher Education is up to date and focuses on relevant issues. Dr Siddiqui’s review as well as other reports and conferences on Islam in higher education have told us that Islamic studies departments are concentrating too much on a Middle Eastern focus and ignoring the realities of Islam in modern multi-cultural life.”