Government departments have failed to produce documentation confirming an official policy of non-engagement with the Muslim Council of Britain, despite maintaining the stance.
Key facts
- •The MCB is the largest umbrella body for British Muslim organizations, with more than 500 affiliates.
- •Freedom of Information requests regarding the policy were returned with no records found by the Cabinet Office, Home Office, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
- •Prime Minister Andy Burnham previously spoke at an MCB Muslim Leadership Dinner in 2015.
- •The MCB stated the non-engagement policy is a 'historic relic' built to appease those who trade in Islamophobia.
- •In 2024, the Inter Faith Network closed after the government withdrew funding due to an MCB member serving as a trustee.
The UK government maintains a policy of refusing to engage with the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), a stance inherited from previous administrations. However, an analysis by Middle East Eye indicates that no written records of this policy appear to exist. Multiple government departments have confirmed in response to Freedom of Information requests that they hold no information regarding the origins or official justification for the boycott.
Lack of Official Documentation
Freedom of Information responses from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Cabinet Office, and the Home Office all stated that they do not hold records of a formal non-engagement policy. Despite this, a government spokesperson recently stated that there has been no change to the policy and no plans for ministers to meet with the group.
Historical Context of Engagement
The MCB, which represents over 500 affiliates, has experienced varying levels of government contact over the years. While a brief boycott occurred in 2009 following the Istanbul Declaration, engagement resumed under subsequent governments. Civil servants continued to meet with the MCB until March 2020, when relations were reportedly broken off. In 2023, the Ministry of Defence was ordered to cut ties after it was revealed the MCB served as a referee for military chaplain applicants.
Timeline
- 2009The Labour government briefly boycotted the MCB following the Istanbul Declaration.
- March 2020Civil servants reportedly broke off relations with the MCB.
- Late October 2023The Telegraph revealed the MCB was working with the Ministry of Defence as a referee for military chaplains.
- Early November 2023Government ministers ordered the Ministry of Defence to cut all ties with the MCB.
- July 2024Middle East Eye reported the government was not responding to communications from the MCB during far-right riots.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Middle East Eye.
