MUSLIM groups are falling into the trap of apologising for their views for fear of being labelled extremists or terrorists, a fringe meeting of the Labour conference has been told.

Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik said he objected to the terms "moderate or peaceful" when it came to Islamic groups.

He said: "By calling oneself moderate you are saying the other extreme is a terrorist when in fact the majority of Muslims are simply peace loving people.

"There is no need to fall into this trap. I think it's sad that in today's society you cannot be yourself without being labelled."

Mr Malik added: "Extremism exists in all societies because some people are intolerant. We must rise to the challenge and not blame everyone for the actions of the extremists."

Similarities between right wing groups, Islamic extremism and animal rights activists were also discussed at the event.

Campaign director Alistair Currie, of BUAV, a leading peaceful charity fighting to end experiments on animals, said some causes inevitably attracted extremists willing to break the law.

He added that it was important that the Government distinguished between the extremists and peaceful activists.

Mr Currie said: "Too often the media portray animal welfare organisations as violent and willing to go to any extremes to get their message across. This is not always the case and the Government needs to respond to our needs differently to those of the extremists."