Downing Street failed to see the funny side to comments by comedian Rowan Atkinson that the government's religious hate laws would lead to prosecutions for anyone satirising religion.

"We are able to tell the difference between comic sketches and comedy and the people who are trying to whip up and incite religious hatred," said a spokesman.

Muslim leaders are split over the government's plans to make incitement to religious hatred a crime, reports the Telegraph. Ahmed Thompson of Muslim Lawyers said the law wouldn't get rid of prejudice but "can help regulate it". Tayib Ali of the London Central Mosque said: "I am concerned it will be used to gag Muslims".