It has been revealed that Sharia courts have been operating in Britain to rule on disputes between Muslims for more than a year.

LONDON, England - September 15, 2008 - Five Sharia courts have been set up in London, Birmingham, Bradford, Manchester, and Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The government has quietly sanctioned that their rulings are enforceable with the full power of the judicial system, through the county courts or High Court. Previously, their rulings were not binding and depended on voluntary compliance among Muslims.

Lawyers have issued grave warnings about the dangers of a dual legal system and the disclosure drew criticism from opposition leaders.

Dominic Grieve, the shadow Home Secretary, said, "If it is true that these tribunals are passing binding decisions in the areas of family and criminal law, I would like to know which courts are enforcing them because I would consider such action unlawful. British law is absolute and must remain so."