|
GORDON BROWN SPEECH ON
TERRORISM, MIXED RESPONSE
Published: 14/11/2007
The
Ramadhan Foundation partly welcomes today’s speech by British Prime
Minister Gordon Brown about terrorism and extremism. The speech
rightly sets out the challenges for protection of buildings, public
transport, sport stadiums and locations of national importance.
We hope that there is detailed implementation of Lord West’s proposals
and that this is followed by a further review after
implementation. It is important everything is put in place to
protect these important places; this is widely welcomed by the
Foundation.
We
are disappointed in his whole speech he refused to accept the advice of
Dame Stella Rimington, former head of MI5 and many other influential
people that the illegal war in Iraq and the double standards in UK
foreign policy is a key factor in the UK being at risk of
terrorism. Unless these matters are recognised and accepted we
will not be able to move forward.
The
Ramadhan Foundation is clear that terrorism and extremism is evil and
unacceptable in Islam, we must all work together to eradicate this from
our nation. However in relation to improving the transparency of
Muslim organisations and Mosques we have for quite some time said
things need to change dramatically but this change must be from within
not seen to be imposed by the Government. The Government must be
very careful in imposing changes on Mosques without the general support
of the Muslim community.
In
relation to increased detention, there has been no evidence of any case
where suspects have needed to be held beyond 28 days, we do not see any
reason for the extension. We are clearly opposed to this proposal
and urge MPs from all parties to unite to oppose this draconian
legislation.
We
welcome the proposals for a new skills qualification in cohesion and
citizenship, more resources to establish multi faith groups in every
constituency and further support to build bridges with the diverse
communities within the UK.
Mr
Mohammed Shafiq, Press Spokesman of the Foundation comments:
“The
Ramadhan Foundation partly welcomes the Prime Minister’s speech and we
endorse key parts of it. We are disappointed that he refuses to
accept that foreign policy and the illegal war in Iraq has put the UK
at an increased risk to terrorism, this is the widely held view of
former diplomats and Civil Servants.
It’s
like an Alcoholic seeking treatment without accepting he has a problem,
THE Government have to accept that there is a problem with foreign
policy. I also accept extremism and terrorism is happening and is
a real threat to our country – only together as one nation can we
defeat it.
Sadly
the Conservatives have jumped on the bandwagon of demonising the Muslim
community, if David Cameron is determined to ban certain Muslim groups
then when will he ban the BNP and the National Front. This whole debate has been one
sided and its time the Conservatives had some consistency on this
issue.
Let
him really open the discussion that the far right not only advocate
violence but are engaged in it on a daily basis”
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
|
