Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London, Brian Paddick, has joined the growing number of critics opposed to suggestions by the head of the Anglican communion that aspects of Sharia law should be recognised in Britain.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has been at the centre of a storm for claiming the adoption of elements of Islamic Sharia law in the UK "seems unavoidable".

However, Mr Paddick said revelations that Sharia law courts were already dealing with crime on the streets of London highlighted a raft of serious issues.

"Firstly it shows that young Muslims feel so alienated by the English courts system that they feel they need to take matters into their own hands," he said.

"Secondly it raises concerns about minorities being treated differently. It's important that people of all faiths are treated equally and fairly under the same rule of law."

Paddick's comments came as the row raged over the Archbishop's suggestions which have been attacked by Christian and secular groups.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Gordon Brown insisted British law would be based on British values, and sharia law would be no justification for acting against national law.