Published: 17/01/2008 08:00

The Ramadhan Foundation welcomes Jackie Smith, British Home Secretary’s first major speech on terrorism.  Whilst there are aspects we agree with there is a systematic failure to deal with the route causes of terrorism.  The Ramadhan Foundation is clear that Islam totally forbids the killing of innocent people and terrorism and we believe that this threat is one for the whole country; we will only be able to deal with it together united as one people and one nation.

Taking action over websites that promote hatred is welcomed, however our concern is in relation to the far right websites also being banned.  There are many that promote hatred and violence against minority communities and thus they should be closed also. 

We welcome the change of the language from the Government on “War of Terror”, “Muslim Extremist” or “Islamic Terrorist”, the Ramadhan Foundation has always said these terminologies tarnish a whole faith system and isolate a whole community.

However the Government seems not want to deal with the route causes of terrorism, i.e. the double standards in UK Foreign policy, wanting to engage young people yet not have dialogue with Groups that represent young people

Mr. Muhammad Umar, Chairman of the Foundation comments:

“I welcome aspects of Jackie Smith’s speech today on tackling terrorism; we have for quite some time calling for a change in language used by Government.  I am concerned that action is not being taken on far right and fascist websites that also promote violence and hatred.

The Government is typically not willing to discuss the issues of double standards of UK foreign policy; unless you deal with the route causes we will not rid terrorism.

This is a threat and challenge for the whole country; we will only eradicate terrorism as one people and one nation.

Typically the Government talks about engaging young people yet do not reach out to young people, unless they talk and involve organisations like the Ramadhan Foundation they will fail”

END

Notes for Editors

The Ramadhan Foundation is the UK's leading Muslim youth organisation that is working for peaceful co-existence and dialogue for all communities.  Based in Greater Manchester and working to also establish the platform for Muslim unity amongst our communities in the UK.

For further information contact:

Mr. Mohammed Shafiq

Press Spokesman

Mohammed.shafiq@ramadhanfoundation.com

07814835912