A delegation from the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), led by Deputy Secretary General Maswood Ahmed, has concluded a series of engagements in Northern Ireland following attacks targeting minoritised communities, particularly members of the Muslim community in June 2026. The delegation included Oliver McTernan, Co-Founder and Director, and Jordan Morgan, Director of Programmes, from Forward Thinking; Muhammed Kozbar, Chairman of the MCB National Council; Dr Naomi Green, Assistant Secretary-General; Fatima Musa, Chairman of the MCB Northern Ireland Affairs Committee; Deqo Ahmed, Deputy Chairman of the MCB Northern Ireland Affairs Committee; Imam Darragh Monahan, MCB Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Member; and Saami Ahmed, MCB Public Affairs and Media Committee Member.
The delegation met with families in Belfast whose homes, businesses and vehicles had been attacked, damaged or set on fire. Delegates listened directly to the experiences of those affected and heard about the profound impact these incidents have had on individuals, families and communities. A central part of the visit was to better understand these experiences firsthand, to stand in solidarity with those affected, and to ensure that the concerns raised informed the MCB’s wider engagement with public authorities and Muslim communities across the UK.
On 29th June 2026, the MCB delegation met with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister at Stormont, the Northern Ireland Assembly. Meetings were also held with senior officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), several Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), academics from Queen’s University, Belfast and community representatives at a meeting held at the Belfast Islamic Centre.
The delegation met with affected individuals, families and local Muslim leaders to hear directly about their experiences and to better understand the impact of the unrest in recent months. These discussions complemented the ongoing engagement that local community representatives were already leading with the PSNI, elected representatives and other public bodies, and informed the delegation’s subsequent meetings with government ministers and officials. The local Muslim community highlighted delays in emergency responses at the height of the violence and raised concerns about the protection of Muslim communities. While immediate support for those affected, including compensation for businesses, was an urgent priority, there was also a clear call for a longer-term strategic response to tackle anti-Muslim hatred and keep communities safe.
Maswood Ahmed, Deputy Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said:
“Having now witnessed the devastating impact of what appeared to be premeditated attacks targeting members of the Muslim community, I have grave concerns about the safety and security of minoritised communities across these islands.
After hearing first-hand the traumatic experiences endured by children and families, I am deeply troubled not only by the attacks themselves, but also by what many perceive to be an inadequate level of political intervention and a lack of fair and proportionate media coverage.
Protecting communities from hate and violence must rise above political differences. The time has come for all governments and public authorities to work together to develop a joined-up, coordinated and long-term strategy that ensures the safety, security and dignity of all communities. Every citizen, regardless of faith or background, has the right to live free from fear and intimidation.”
The Muslim Council of Britain, the largest and most diverse broad-based Muslim umbrella body in the United Kingdom, is committed to supporting its affiliates and working alongside local Muslim communities to ensure that their experiences and concerns are understood by those entrusted with public responsibility. It also has a responsibility to help communities across the UK better understand the unique challenges and experiences of Muslims in Northern Ireland, ensuring that these are recognised within the wider national conversation.
The MCB remains committed to strengthening its relationship with both the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Executive, building on the work already being undertaken by local Muslim organisations and leaders. The MCB also seeks to connect Northern Ireland with the wider network of Muslim organisations, expertise and good practice across the UK. Together, this will help ensure that, should similar incidents occur in the future, there are well-established channels of communication, stronger engagement with representative Muslim institutions, and a more effective, coordinated and timely response to support affected communities, while drawing on the experience and support of communities across the UK.
Northern Ireland has a unique social and political history. Nevertheless, every citizen, irrespective of faith or background, is entitled to equal protection under the law and to confidence that public authorities will respond swiftly and fairly when communities come under attack.
Alongside official meetings, the delegation engaged with a wide range of people from across Northern Ireland. These conversations reaffirmed that the overwhelming majority of people are committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and good community relations. They also highlighted the importance of resisting increasingly polarised narratives, particularly online, which risk deepening divisions and fuelling hostility. The Muslim Council of Britain remains committed to working collaboratively with local Muslim organisations, communities, public institutions and political leaders to strengthen trust, improve preparedness and ensure that the rights, safety and dignity of all communities are protected.
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[PHOTO CREDIT: The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) meeting with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on Monday, 29th June 2026, Stormont.]