High Wycombe community leaders, including MP Steve Baker, join forces after Paris terror attack

Faith leaders, politicians and members of the public have stood shoulder-to-shoulder as a show of defiance following the tragedy, with Wycombe MP Steve Baker calling it a “game changing atrocity” which will have far-reaching implications.

Acknowledging that High Wycombe has ‘produced Isis fighters’, he declared there is now potentially a ‘just reason to going to war in Syria’, while slamming those who blame decent British Muslims for the attack.

Mr Baker said: “It’s an appalling atrocity which has taken place in Paris. I think it’s potentially game changing politically and its game changing in two ways.

“First, there is now a just reason to going to war in Syria and I will look very carefully to see what political strategy the government brings forward.

“And, secondly, its game changing because I think we’re long since past the point where decent Muslims should feel they have to condemn these barbarians.

MP Steve Baker - ARM Images.

“It’s time for people to stop asking decent British Muslims to distance themselves from these people.

“We all know that decent British Muslims are distant from these monsters and we need to stand together as one community in opposition to them.”

Amongst other notorious converted extremists now fighting for Isis abroad is former High Wycombe man Omar Hussain who has regularly used social media to champion the cause of the terror group.

Others from the town have also allegedly fled the country to join terrorist organisations, but a group of faith leaders have warned residents not to let this damage community harmony.

Omar Hussain used to live in High Wycombe.

Council for Christian Muslim Relations chairman Chaudry Shafique, said: “I’m confident we will come out of this difficult time in a strengthened position with the community once against.

The communities do have a good bond and sense of companionship here which proves extremely useful during difficult times like these.

“We’re aware of a fall out and backlash in other places, but so far I’ve not heard of anything like this in High Wycombe recently. I hope and pray that will continue.”

He added: “We were all horrified by the abhorrent attack on Friday evening and want to continue to stand together as a show of unity against it.”

Wycombe has hosted a series of vigils following last week's shocking terror attack. A book of condolence has also been started - ARM Images.

Mr Baker added: “We have a very high degree of integration in Wycombe which I think we should all be proud of.

“And, it is for precisely that reason that all of us who have anything to do with British Muslims know extensively that the vast majority stand absolutely shoulder-to-shoulder with us in condemning this barbarism.

“We do need to acknowledge that the United Kingdom and High Wycombe have produced fighters in Syria which is very much to be regretted.

“And, we have to make sure all of us together as one that we identify individuals at risk of radicalisation, people who sympathise with violence and people who sympathise with the extremist ideology that leads to violence.”

The Conservative politician believes it is now time to consider going to war in Syria in a bid to bring peace and defend innocent members of the public after admitting Isis is “clear and present menace to Western civilisation”.

Having previously voted against attacks on Syria – which he says was categorically different as a “punishment attack” on the Bashar al-Assad regime – he would now “not rule anything out”.

However, Mr Baker has warned that the government’s strategy needs to be carefully discussed with Russia having differing views on the Assad leadership.

He said: “If the government’s strategy pursues a just cause of defence and makes provision to avoid stumbling into war with Russia, it is highly likely I will support it.”