Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary General of the MCB, has written to the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith seeking clarification about recent media reports about certain proposals in the next phase of the Government's CONTEST strategy.

In his letter, Dr Abdul Bari said: "The community is deeply concerned about these reported proposals. If they prove to be true, then these provisions will not only affect the already fragile state of community relations but will also contribute to a self-perpetuating climate of fear that is unfolding before our very eyes...many in our community [now] ask whether British Muslims are being set yet another oath of fealty as demanded by xenophobic commentators who profit from creating a hostile atmosphere from which bigots can draw from. "

Letter to the Home Secretary

Home Office Response