Muslim Council Criticizes UK Government's Lack of Engagement During Summer Riots
Zara Mohammed, the MCB’s first female and youngest-ever secretary general, described the absence of government contact as "quite shocking" during a critical period.
Mohammed, who has led the MCB for over three years, revealed that despite several attempts to reach out, Downing Street did not respond. "There’s been no official communication from the government since the election," The Guardian quoted him as saying. She noted that the silence was particularly disheartening during the violent unrest.
The MCB had been actively engaging with Labour’s shadow cabinet when they were in opposition. In 2021, Mohammed held talks with Labour leader Keir Starmer, where they discussed "the importance of engaging with Muslim communities."
However, during the riots, Northern Ireland's first minister, Michelle O’Neill, and senior police officials in Belfast were the only figures to meet with the MCB, while the UK government remained unresponsive.
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The riots, which occurred in August, were fueled by far-right mobs, many of whom falsely accused Muslims in the wake of a tragic stabbing incident in Southport. Analysts point to rising xenophobia and hostility toward minority groups, particularly Muslims, as contributing factors to the unrest.
Mohammed, whose term as MCB leader ends in January, called for a review of the government’s "baffling" approach to the MCB, which represents over 500 affiliated mosques, schools, and charitable organizations.
She noted, "What was really disappointing... was no formal or meaningful engagement with the Muslim Council of Britain during a time when mosques and Muslims were being targeted in a terrifying way."
Source: Agencies
