UK being overtaken by 'militant secularists': Baroness Warsi

London, Feb.14 (ANI): The United Kingdom's first female Muslim Cabinet Minister, Baroness Warsi, has warned that British society is under threat from "militant secularists" reminiscent of "totalitarian regimes".

In the speech delivered at the Vatican, Baroness Warsi will express her "fear" about the marginalisation of religion throughout Britain and Europe, saying that faith needs "a seat at the table in public life".

In an article for The Daily Telegraph, Baroness Warsi says that to create a "more just society" Britons must "feel stronger in their religious identities".

The minister, who is also chairman of the Conservative Party, says: "My fear today is that a militant secularisation is taking hold of our societies. We see it in any number of things: when signs of religion cannot be displayed or worn in government buildings; and where religion is sidelined, marginalised and downgraded in the public sphere."

She adds: "For me, one of the most worrying aspects about this militant secularisation is that at its core and in its instincts it is deeply intolerant. It demonstrates similar traits to totalitarian regimes - denying people the right to a religious identity because they were frightened of the concept of multiple identities."

Baroness Warsi will lead an unprecedented government delegation to the Vatican where Pope Benedict will receive her for a private audience on Wednesday. (ANI)