25 January 2018
The Muslim Council of Britain today expressed its grave concerns about the government’s counter-extremism strategy following its announcement of Sara Khan as the new head of the Commission for Countering Extremism.
One of the tasks of the Commission will be to define already contested notions of extremism. However this appointment indicates that the task will continue to be elusive and divisive at a time when the fight against terrorism requires common purpose and partnership.
Any approach on tackling extremism should not only have clear broad-based support but also unambiguous parameters. The Lead Commissioner should also have a track record of transparency, accountability and experience in garnering trust amongst the communities they serve.
Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said: “The fight against terrorism requires equal partnership between all parties, including Muslim communities. This appointment risks sending a clear and alarming message that the government has no intention of doing so. Sadly it will be seen as a move to placate those small sections of society who see Muslims as foreign, alien, rather than as equal citizens in this country.”
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Notes to Editors:
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella body with over
500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques,
charities and schools.
For further information please contact:
The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 57330
London
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk
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