Following the surge in hate incidents following the Referendum results, the Muslim Council of Britain has received an outpouring of love, support and solidarity from the British public. The MCB is truly touched by these heart warming messages, and we didn’t want to just keep it to ourselves!
Below is proof that we do indeed have far more in common than that which divides us, and that Britain is a beautiful and strong multicultural society. Enjoy reading!
Subject: Support
“I send you my heartfelt support at this dreadful time. It is a disgusting episode in our history. The stories emerging from across the country make me ashamed and very angry”.
Tim Stanley, Carlisle
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Subject: Racist incidents
“Hi, I’m very sorry to hear about a recent increase in racist attacks on mosques and members. I hope your members will continue to believe that the vast majority of people in this country value the contribution Muslims make to society”.
John Gray, Devon
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Subject: You are welcome
“Just wanted to say I and many friends feel very sorry for any intolerant action or views you are experiencing at the moment. A vote to leave the EU was not a vote for people to leave the UK. People of all nationalities are welcome”.
Fleur Boyce
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Subject: Current situation following Referendum
“Dear Friends
Given the media coverage of an increase in anti-Muslim verbal aggression, I write to show support and solidarity with all Muslim peoples in the UK. I am a white European who has visited many Muslim countries and know how kind and welcoming people have been to me.
Please remember that it is a small minority carrying out these offences. It is an affront to decent people everywhere. Let’s keep working for greater togetherness in society. I wish you well and I hope this message helps mend some of the hurt people rightly feel at present”.
Richard, Leeds
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Subject: Racial Abuse
“The right wing press and lead Brexit campaigners’ deliberate focus on immigration, and the language they used, is responsible for this.
I’m absolutely disgusted and ashamed of the racist attitude of some of our fellow Britons”.
Mike, East Yorks
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Subject: Apology
“Dear Friends,
Please accept this brief email as an expression of friendship and solidarity with the Muslim Community in Britain.
I’m a white Englishman and I feel horrified and ashamed by some of the recently reported words and actions which have been directed against the Muslim community. All of my white friends feel the same”.
NT, Worthing, Sussex.
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Subject: Hate
“Sir/Madam,
I for the first time in my life feel it necessary to express my view concerning the unprecedented increase in racism in our country towards people of OUR society.
There is no place for HATE of any kind and it is my hope that the quiet majority stand up for the values we all share and enjoy.
Yet again the hateful minority get media coverage, we need our political leaders to stand up condemn and ensure these individuals are dealt with robustly and that this is communicated nation wide.
We need to stand strong together against the expression of hate”.
John Marshall
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Subject: letter of appreciation and support
“Dear Muslim Council of Britain,
I just wanted to express my support to you at this difficult time when there is so much xenophobia and racism in this country. I want you to know that me and my friends all very much value the presence of Muslims here in this country and are very grateful for all the many contributions that they have made to this society. We value living in a diverse society made up of lots of different cultures and we want Muslims to feel welcome here. This is your country”.
Sarah Blackman, Worthing
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Subject: Message of Support
“Dear Sir or Madam,
I am shocked and appalled by the attacks that muslim people have suffered in this country. Speaking as a non-muslim white Englishman, I am absolutely ashamed to be British.
As far as I am concerned, muslim people are lovely and kind-spirited, and I feel safe and secure and happy living near to the the mosque in Easton, Bristol.
Please do not feel under threat from a small number of racist idiots – you are all VERY welcome here, do not ever forget that.
My grandfather went to war 1939-45 to fight against the Nazis, and I would do the same to protect your interests. I have much more in common with nice normal people like yourselves than I do with the narrow-minded, racist, bigoted evil people who would do you harm. If I ever see somebody abusing a muslim person, I will go and defend them. Do not look inwards at this time, be proud of your community and what you stand for, and reach out to make friends”.
Matt Storr, Bristol