These occurred mainly in 1994 following reforms by the then Conservative government to ensure teaching was broadly Christian in character, likewise daily worship. This caused a flurry of debate in the press and was represented within a comparative framework, both with Christianity and other religions. The second most covered story on education was about the funding of Muslim schools in Britain, occurring mainly in 1996 and subsequently. The move from discussion relating to provision within the mainstream system to separate provision marks a shift both in the strength and identity of Muslim communities in the UK, alongside a recognition that the system already in place, based on multicultural policies, was not working. The press debates are symptomatic of the idea that giving Islam equal status to Christianity is a contentious issue and whilst government rhetoric has supported the idea of multiculturalism, this issue has been represented as a problem for British society.
Criminality is more significant in the coverage of personal relationships than any other subject.
This perpetuates the idea that Muslim law and practice is deviant in its difference from British values and customs, for example, in the practice of underage marriage for girls. Thus, the purpose of articles on relationships is to emphasise cultural difference. The association with conversion then secures the cultural threat. Consequently, this subject is frequently linked to immigration due to concerns regarding legal dissidents and their activities. The Government is also a key player here as it attempts to deal with the problem .