Paris attacks: Nigel Farage claims British Muslims are 'conflicted' over their loyalties to the UK

'This conflict with the UK Muslim population suggests that there is all to play for and we can win the battle of hears and minds'

Nigel Farage said the European Union is now 'seriously imperilling our security' by allowing the free movement of refugees (Getty Images)

Ukip leader Nigel Farage has warned that UK Muslims are "conflicted in their loyalties" between the UK and and elements within their religion.

In his first comments tying the Paris terror attacks to EU policy, he told an audience in Basingstoke that the European Union is now "seriously imperiling our security" by allowing the free movement of refugees.

"According to research it is clear that the UK Muslim population are conflicted in their loyalties between loyalty to the UK, its way of life and its institutions and what elements within their organised faith are telling them.

"This conflict with the UK Muslim population suggests that there is all to play for and we can win the battle of hears and minds."

Mr Farage also said Britons need to actively promote "those institutions and aspects of our society, like equality, decency, tolerance and the rule of law which are the bedrock of our civilisation".

He argued Britain needed to introduce "complete transparency into the funding of faith institutions", identifying money from Saudi Arabia that is spent on British Mosques and educational establishments.

The Ukip politician, who has long been opposed to military intervention, also called for a "complete rethink" of British foreign policy.

“We have to recognise that we cannot bomb and drone ourselves to victory, but we must work with the Arab and African countries and their militaries.

"We must recognise that Assad and Putin are not the main problem.”