A new lobby group called the British Muslim Network (BMN) has been launched, bringing together prominent figures from politics, media, business, and sport to advocate for the interests of the UK’s Muslim community. The initiative is backed by well-known British Muslims, including Wajid Khan, the minister for faith, Nusrat Ghani, Tory MP and deputy speaker, former Conservative party chair Sayeeda Warsi, broadcaster Mishal Husain, ex-England cricketer Azeem Rafiq, and the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate.
For around 30 years, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has been the main representative body for Muslims in the UK. However, successive governments have adopted a policy of “non-engagement” with the MCB over the past decade. This shift has led to concerns that policies affecting British Muslims have been shaped without sufficient input from the community.
Akeela Ahmed, co-chair of the BMN, explained that this exclusion had impacted social cohesion. She emphasized that the BMN aims to complement, not replace, the MCB. The new network plans to bring together professionals and experts to identify challenges faced by British Muslims and ensure their voices are heard by policymakers. It will focus on areas such as health, education, immigration, equalities, and the economy, while aligning its research with government priorities.
The BMN also intends to combat negative perceptions of Muslims in the UK by highlighting their significant contributions to society. It encourages Muslims to become more involved in leadership positions and to participate in the political process through voting.
The formation of the BMN marks a shift towards presenting British Muslims as an integral part of the wider British social fabric, rather than solely as a religious group. This change comes at a time when Islamophobic incidents have surged, according to the charity Tell Mama. The network’s co-chair, Qari Asim, a prominent UK imam, stated that the BMN’s mission extends beyond addressing anti-Muslim prejudice. He emphasized that the organization aims to link activists, strategists, and policymakers for the benefit of British society as a whole.
Akeela Ahmed further added: “There’s a lot of misconceptions and negative attitudes attached to British Muslims … some from particular politicians and their rhetoric. Of course, there are challenges within the Muslim community, but like any community in British society, these issues have often been weaponized to paint a negative picture of British Muslims.”
The BMN’s goal is to challenge these stereotypes and present a more accurate picture of British Muslims—individuals who, like everyone else, care deeply about education, employment, health, and their communities. The network aims to shift the narrative and show the positive contributions of British Muslims to the UK’s wider society.
The creation of BMN follows months of discussions among British Muslim leaders, who expressed concerns over a growing sense of alienation. Speaking ahead of the group’s launch, Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim woman to serve in the UK cabinet, commented: “For too long, British Muslims have been made to feel that their voices do not matter… The British Muslim Network is part of a much-needed effort to change that.”
Nusrat Ghani, who is also involved with the BMN, highlighted the significant contributions made by British Muslims across the UK, expressing pride in her role in showcasing these contributions. Sunder Katwala, director of the think tank British Future, also endorsed the group, stating that “Britain will be a more inclusive country once every institution of power and influence can confidently engage with all parts of society.”
The British Muslim Network’s establishment signals a new chapter in advocating for the British Muslim community, with a focus on shaping a more inclusive and accurate narrative for Muslims in the UK.
Stay tuned for more updates on the British Muslim Network’s efforts to amplify the voices of British Muslims and shape a more inclusive and accurate narrative for the community.
