Renowned British Muslims from various spheres, including politics, media, business, and sports, have come together to impact government policies for the benefit of the 4 million British Muslims.
The initiative is supported by several key figures such as Wajid Khan (Minister for Faith), Nusrat Ghani (Tory MP and deputy speaker), Sayeeda Warsi (former Conservative party chair), broadcaster Mishal Husain, former England cricketer Azeem Rafiq, and the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate, who are endorsing the newly established British Muslim Network (BMN).
For over three decades, the Muslim Council of Britain has been the leading representative for Muslims, but due to a long-standing policy of disengagement from successive governments, their voices have been largely unheard in policy-making, impacting social cohesion.
Akeela Ahmed, co-chair of BMN, argued that the absence of Muslim voices in policy discussions has marginalized their input, and the BMN aims to complement existing organizations, not replace them, by bridging the gap between practitioners, experts, and policymakers.
BMN is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by British Muslims across various sectors such as health, education, immigration, equalities, and the economy, as well as promoting a positive image of British Muslims to combat negative perceptions.
The formation of BMN marks a shift toward advocating for the diverse British Muslim social identity, moving beyond their identification as a faith group, and follows a reported increase in Islamophobic incidents.
Qari Asim, another co-chair of BMN and a prominent imam, emphasized that the network’s mission is broader than just tackling anti-Muslim prejudice and aims to foster a connection between activists, strategists, professionals, and policymakers for the betterment of British society.
BMN’s establishment comes after extensive discussions among British Muslims who have felt a growing sense of alienation, as noted by the network’s spokesperson.
Sayeeda Warsi, a peer and the first Muslim woman to serve in the cabinet, stated that British Muslims have long been made to feel unheard, and the BMN is part of a necessary movement to change that.
Nusrat Ghani highlighted the contributions of British Muslims across the UK and her role in showcasing these, while Sunder Katwala, director of the British Future thinktank, expressed that a more inclusive Britain needs every institution to confidently engage with all parts of society.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has been approached for a comment.
The initiative is supported by several key figures such as Wajid Khan (Minister for Faith), Nusrat Ghani (Tory MP and deputy speaker), Sayeeda Warsi (former Conservative party chair), broadcaster Mishal Husain, former England cricketer Azeem Rafiq, and the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate, who are endorsing the newly established British Muslim Network (BMN).
For over three decades, the Muslim Council of Britain has been the leading representative for Muslims, but due to a long-standing policy of disengagement from successive governments, their voices have been largely unheard in policy-making, impacting social cohesion.
Akeela Ahmed, co-chair of BMN, argued that the absence of Muslim voices in policy discussions has marginalized their input, and the BMN aims to complement existing organizations, not replace them, by bridging the gap between practitioners, experts, and policymakers.
BMN is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by British Muslims across various sectors such as health, education, immigration, equalities, and the economy, as well as promoting a positive image of British Muslims to combat negative perceptions.
The formation of BMN marks a shift toward advocating for the diverse British Muslim social identity, moving beyond their identification as a faith group, and follows a reported increase in Islamophobic incidents.
Qari Asim, another co-chair of BMN and a prominent imam, emphasized that the network’s mission is broader than just tackling anti-Muslim prejudice and aims to foster a connection between activists, strategists, professionals, and policymakers for the betterment of British society.
BMN’s establishment comes after extensive discussions among British Muslims who have felt a growing sense of alienation, as noted by the network’s spokesperson.
Sayeeda Warsi, a peer and the first Muslim woman to serve in the cabinet, stated that British Muslims have long been made to feel unheard, and the BMN is part of a necessary movement to change that.
Nusrat Ghani highlighted the contributions of British Muslims across the UK and her role in showcasing these, while Sunder Katwala, director of the British Future thinktank, expressed that a more inclusive Britain needs every institution to confidently engage with all parts of society.
The Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has been approached for a comment.
