The Muslim Council of Britain has written to Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss, expressing deep concern over recent statements regarding the moving of the British embassy to Jerusalem.
Click to view a PDF version of the letter.
The full text of the letter is as follows:
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
SW1A 2AA
Dear Prime Minister,
As Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, I am writing to you to relay serious concerns from our affiliates and the communities they serve across the country. We join fellow Britons who are all alarmed by your recent statements on reviewing a move of the British Embassy in Israel from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem.
This action would represent a legitimisation of the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem by Israel and would flout international law, not least UN Security Council Resolution 478. The resolution makes clear that Israel’s attempt to change the character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem constitutes a violation of international law.
The resolution reminds the international community that such attempts constitute a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. It would be unconscionable for the UK to turn its back on all these commitments upheld for so long.
Since the passing UNSCR 478 more than forty years ago, it is thus no wonder that any proposals to relocate the British Embassy to Jerusalem have been rejected by successive British governments and the international community.
Jerusalem occupies a tremendously important position for Muslims, as the third holiest site in Islam, and as such is a deeply held issue to our communities. But we also recognise that the city is also dear to peoples of other faiths, including most notably Palestinian Christians, who likewise reject the Israeli occupation.
Numerous Members of Parliament of all political parties, including your own, have been very clear on this point for many years. We all agree that this action does not serve the UK’s interests. If anything, the relocation of the British Embassy could result in many destabilising repercussions. This point is underscored by respected security analysts and academics.
That such a move would even be considered when His Majesty’s Government, which has been so rightfully clear about the rejection of Russia’s acquisition of Ukrainian territory by force, is bewildering, and would damage our country’s credibility globally. We must uphold our commitment to a two-state solution which has been progressively undermined by successive Israeli governments who occupy Palestinian land.
As Muslims, we have a fundamental concern about tension in our religion’s third holiest site; as Britons, we remain disturbed about what our country’s reputation and ability to credibly uphold international law. We would therefore urge against making any such decision to move the embassy in the interest of international peace and security.
Yours sincerely,
Zara Mohammed
Secretary General,
Muslim Council of Britain