Sharia will 'inevitably' become part of British law, says barrister

By Christopher Hope, Home Affairs Editor Islamic law will "inevitably" become part of the British legal system and work should start immediately on specific changes, according to a leading barrister. The news comes after Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, the most senior judge in England and Wales, said Islamic or sharia could play a role in some parts of the legal system, such as family mediation. Stephen Hockman QC, a former chairman of the Bar Council, said: "It is vital and inevitable that sharia will become part of British law in some shape or form. "Given the world situation and our own substantial Muslim population it is vital that we now look at ways to integrate Muslim culture into our own traditions. "Otherwise we will find that there is a significant section of our society which is increasingly alienated, with very... [read full story]