The home secretary has visited a Muslim cultural heritage centre in London in a bid to cement better relations between the government and Islam.

David Blunkett highlighted the work of mosques and Islamic organisations in building "community cohesion" a year after race riots in Northern towns.

"Throughout the country, Muslims and mosques with their strong commitment to community development, and with enterprise and dedication, are playing a vital role in building a strong and vibrant society," he said.

Following September 11, ministers have engaged in a series of photocalls and initiatives aimed at preventing a Muslim backlash.

Blunkett praised the centre's open door policy for encouraging members of the local communities to mix and gain a better understanding of other cultures.

"This is a vision that government shares - integration with diversity, a Britain which values the contribution made by each of our many ethnic, cultural and faith communities, and where people from different backgrounds can live and work together in mutual respect and understanding," Blunkett said.

The home secretary's visit was more than a nicely-timed coincidence - with war against Iraq looking increasingly likely the government is seeking to calm tempers among the Muslim community.

Blunkett is said to have warned Tony Blair that US-led military strikes on Baghdad may spark re-runs of violent street disturbances in Oldham and Bradford.

Last week radical Muslim fundamentalists threatened a violent response to a military campaign against Saddam Hussein.

More mainstream Islamic leaders have backed suggestions that a military campaign against Iraq could lead to rioting in the event of a UK attack on Iraq.

Repeated calls from ministers for Muslims to integrate into the British mainstream have also sparked anger.

After a heated row over calls for an oath of allegiance for immigrants Home Office ministers are building bridges and stressing the need for a debate on citizenship.