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CITIZENSHIP
PROPOSALS WILL NOT RESOLVE YOUNG PEOPLE’S APATHY NOR
SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS
Published:
11/02/2008
The
Ramadhan Foundation is concerned that Lord Goldsmith’s proposals on
citizenship will not help young people engage in communities and help
resolve their many problems. Asking children to swear an
allegiance to the Queen will not make them more proud of being British
or help them understand the values of the UK.
We
welcome the possibility of a public holiday to celebrate Britishness;
this day must celebrate the positive contributions of all people in
this country regardless of faith, ethnicity or background.
Mr.
Muhammad Umar, Chairman of the Foundation comments:
“Lord
Goldsmith’s proposals on citizenship are a mixed bag, I welcome the
opportunity of a Public holiday on Britishness, and this day must
celebrate the contribution of all citizens, communities, faiths and
backgrounds.
The
Ramadhan Foundation believes that asking children to swear an
allegiance to the Queen will not help them understand the nature of
this country; I believe this sort of sham ideas will alienate young
people further from society.
There
must be opportunities on the Britishness Day to encourage different
communities to come together and celebrate being British. We will
study the proposals in detail and respond at a later date.
Rushing
to introduce allegiance to the Queen will not help children and young
people engage more in society and politics.”
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 human unity amongst our communities in the
UK.
For
further information contact:
Mr.
Mohammed Shafiq
Press
Spokesman
Mohammed.shafiq@ramadhanfoundation.com
07814835912
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