Ahead of the general election on May 7 the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has released a “wish-list” of actions for parliamentary candidates to consider that the Muslim community would like to see enacted.
With polls predicting a hung parliament the MCB says that British Muslims – many of whom will be voting for the first time – have the opportunity to make a real difference to their country’s future.
The 2011 Census puts the Muslim population in England and Wales at 2,706,066 (with 77,000 Muslims in Scotland and 4,000 in Northern Ireland). There are 26 parliamentary constituencies with a Muslim population of 20% or more. And there is also a sizeable Muslim presence in several marginal constituencies.
The MCB says the document presents a consensus view amongst its affiliates of the issues affecting British Muslims ahead of the 2015 General Election. It aims to be a useful guide for incumbent and prospective parliamentary candidates, and for local Muslim communities seeking to engage in political dialogue.
The wish-list asks prospective MPs to:
1. Commit to proactively engage with a broad and representative spectrum of the British Muslim community.
2. Defend the right of Muslims – and people of all faiths – to live their faith be that in religious clothing, food and
reasonable accommodation of religious observance.
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3. Pledge to undertake meaningful action to combat Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and all forms of racism.
4. Enhance our democracy by increasing participation of minorities and women in politics and public life.
5. Uphold civil liberties and re-build trust with communities when tackling crime and terrorism.
6. Develop an inclusive National Curriculum reflecting the diverse religious, ethnic and cultural identity of Britain
today.
7. Address structural economic and social inequalities that prevent minority communities from taking a full
part in British life.
8. Promise a fair and equal approach to educational provision be that in faith schools or in state schools with large Muslim populations.
9. Support a binding recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign state.
10. Uphold an ethical and consistent UK foreign policy with human rights, poverty alleviation and justice.
Political participation
In the document the The MCB states: “The MCB continues to support local efforts to encourage participation and engagement in the political process. We urge affiliates and other bodies to step-up efforts encouraging British Muslims to vote at the next election, particularly among young people who feel isolated from our political culture. To dispel youth alienation, the MCB supports the call to lower the voting age to 16.
“For political parties, this election should be seen as an opportunity to properly engage with Muslim communities around the country. During the next few weeks, hustings will be organised by various mosques and Islamic associations: we urge prospective parliamentary candidates to participate.
“In addition, we look to the political parties to develop stronger links with their respective Muslim groups within political parties. This would also help to understand the needs of and strengthen relationships with the British Muslim population.
“The Muslim community is significantly under-represented in many areas of public life, which leads to a perception (and a reality) of disenfranchisement. There is also significant under-representation of women in leadership roles, both within the British Muslim community and society at large. In addition to continuing work to increase women’s involvement in our respective organisations, the MCB urges political parties to take concrete steps to encourage Muslims and Muslim women to join political parties and seek election as local councillors, MPs and MEPs.
“Finally, as the political debate heats up during the election campaign, the MCB urges all political parties to avoid alarmist rhetoric. All voters, including British Muslims, will be looking for leadership that sets out a positive vision for a fairer Britain.”
