While Sir Mark Hedley sat on a panel which recommended the government regulate Sharia councils amid concerns they sometimes discriminate against women, he said they weren’t bad for Muslim women.

He told Premier: “All Muslim women’s organisations we spoke to wanted us not to interfere with the presence of Sharia councils because they provide the only way in which a woman can obtain a religious divorce.

“If they haven’t registered their marriage then the only way of getting a divorce is through the Sharia council if you’re a member of the Sunni community – it’s only the Sunni community that this relates to and the vast majority of English Muslim women are members of the Sunni community.”

The review by academics and lawyers urged minsters to establish a body which would allow self-regulation by Islamic religious councils.

But the Home Office has ruled that out, citing British laws and traditions.

A Home Office statement said: “Sharia law has no jurisdiction in the UK and we would not facilitate or endorse regulation, which could present councils as an alternative to UK laws.

“In Britain we have a long tradition of freedom of worship and religious tolerance, where many people of different faiths follow religious codes and practices and benefit from their guidance.

“The Government has no intention of changing this position.”

The review panel suggested regulating Sharia councils would help ensure the Muslim bodies…