Lord Nazir Ahmed, 51, who became the UK's first Muslim life peer in 1998, is known for his outspoken views and actions. He recently spearheaded efforts at the House of Lords to prevent far-right Dutch MP Geert Wilders from showing an offensive film about the Holy Qur'an in the UK. Lord Ahmed had also objected to Salman Rushdie's knighthood and called on then prime minister Tony Blair to withdraw the honor. He has played a role in easing tensions after the London bombings in July 2005 and the 9/11 attacks on the US in 2001. In Oct. 2006, he openly clashed with his party's leadership when he criticized the way British Muslims were treated. Born in Pakistan, Lord Ahmed has lived in Rotherham, in South Yorkshire, since his childhood. He joined the Labor Party at the age of 18. __
