Beavers and bell ringers under the spotlight in Cameron's anti-extremism inspections
BEAVERS and groups of bell-ringing could soon come under inspectors' spotlights in a search for extremism in church groups.
Ofsted inspectors will attend church groups to look for extremism under new Government plans
The plans have been criticised by MPs and church leaders who claim Ofsted's interference will not make children safer.
Despite insistence from David Cameron that inspectors will not have free reign to regulate the groups, politicians are unhappy with the plans.
A poll found MPs fear Government officials will have the power to define what constitutes "hateful and extremist views that undermine British values".
The same poll found only one in four MPs believe plans could help improve public safety, while a similar number said it will not.
Extremism at Beavers? Church groups could come under inspectors' spotlight
Two thirds of those asked said they believe plans have been too widely drawn while more than half said they were concerned the inspections could threaten legitimate activities.
Some MPs showed distrust of the watchdog when 38 per cent said they would not trust the agency to conduct checks in a "fair, reasonable and measures way". Among the Tory party the number was 45 per cent.
But 35 per cent backed the plans.
Half of 150 MPs polled agreed that the policy appeared to be "panic driven" and risked the freedom of law-abiding people, while three in 10 disagreed.
Colin Hart, director of the Christian Institute which commissioned the ComRes poll warned the plan, at present, represents an "unprecedented attack on freedom of religion in our country".
MPs are concerned about the effect the inspections will have on British values
Sunday school groups may be visited by inspectors under David Cameron's plans
It is clear from the poll that MPs are widely concerned about these draconian proposals
They claim results show proposals must be scaled back.
Mr Hart said: "It is clear from the poll that MPs are widely concerned about these draconian proposals.
"They recognise that these meddling and intrusive inspections will have serious effect on many small community groups, such as bell ringers, sports and youth clubs, scouts and guides, even amateur dramatics.
"These measures will almost certainly force some of them to close."
The proposals came after warnings from Mr Cameron of some Islamic schools and other institutions where children are having their "heads filled with poison and their hearts filed with hate".