Muslim Vote 2019

Engagement

Initiative:

• MCB launches “Make Muslim Voices Heard!” campaign for General Election 2019.
• Encourages participation through a 7-minute survey open until September 29.
• Aims to amplify Muslim voices and perspectives in the upcoming election.
• Demonstrates proactive efforts to engage the Muslim community in the democratic process.

Highlights:

• MCB advocates for respectful General Election discourse.
• Urges British Muslims to engage actively, collaborate with mosques for voter registration.
• Maintains a neutral stance on political endorsements, prioritising diverse Muslim representation.
• Emphasises citizens’ responsibility to register by November 25.
• Offers voter registration support at [email protected].
• Encourages donations for MCB’s General Election campaign at www.mcb.org.uk/friends.

MCB on Muslim voters significance in general election in The Guardian

Article key points:

• The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) identified 31 marginal constituencies where Muslim voters could significantly influence the general election.
• The list categorises these seats based on their potential impact, classifying them as having either “high” or “medium” Muslim influence.
• Mosques across the UK are launching a registration drive to encourage Muslim voter participation in these crucial constituencies.

MCB Critiques Tories in BBC News

Article key points:

• Accuses Conservatives of denying and dismissing Islamophobia, with a “blind spot” for racism.
• Responds to Chief Rabbi’s critique of Labour’s anti-Semitism handling.
• Emphasises Muslims voting based on conscience due to concerns.
• Expresses real fear of anti-Semitism among British Jews.
• Calls for an investigation into Islamophobia within the Conservative Party.
• Highlights PM Boris Johnson’s controversial remarks on Muslim women.
• Conservatives pledge an inquiry into Islamophobia before year-end.
• Several party members suspended over alleged Islamophobic social media posts.

MCB’s Election Policy Platform

• Launch: MCB introduced an election platform before the 2019 General Election.
• Focus: Included 10 pledges, with a primary emphasis on combating Islamophobia.
• Scope: Encompassed policies on various issues, aligning with the concerns of British Muslims.
• Development: Shaped by two decades of MCB’s experience, insights from 500 surveyed British Muslims, and collaboration with policy experts.
• Highlight: The press release on 27 November 2019 emphasised MCB’s commitment to a better Britain through these pledges.

The Guardian on MCB’s Election Focus

• Urges parties to combat racism and Islamophobia for Muslim voter support.
• Identifies 26 key constituencies with over 20% Muslim population.
• Stresses inclusivity for “every voice” in the election.
• Addresses shared concerns on Brexit, healthcare, and the economy.
• Highlights worries about rising far-right and Islamophobia.
• Outlines 10 key pledges for community well-being.
• Recommends actions to unleash Muslim communities’ potential.
• Demographics: Muslims are 4.8% of the UK population, with 8.1% school-age children being Muslim,
  and around 1,700 mosques nationwide.

MCB’s Response to General Election 2019: Summary

Key Points:

• MCB expresses concern for British Muslims post-election.
• Calls on PM Boris Johnson to address political bigotry.
• Raises fears of potential government-endorsed Islamophobia.
• Urges responsible use of power for all citizens.
• Emphasises One Nation Tory values and calls for inclusive leadership.
• Advocates for national unity after a divisive election campaign.

“Mr. Johnson commands a majority, but there is palpable fear amongst Muslim communities… We pray
[power[ is exercised responsibly for all Britons.” – Harun Khan, MCB Secretary-General