We welcome the commitment of the CRE and its new Chair Trevor Phillips to work for better understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in modern Britain. The CRE has apologised for any offence caused by its failure to take into account Muslim faith needs when arranging its Race in the Media Awards on Friday 11 April 2003, in London, the day of congregational prayer for Muslims.

Since at this stage the CRE cannot change this year's event, a prayer room is being made available at the venue for those who want to make use of it. The start of the meal will be delayed to accommodate this. We also understand that the CRE has undertaken not to hold the event in future at this time on a Friday.

Trevor Phillips has shown that he is a friend of Britain's Muslims and we look forward to working with him and the CRE in the future.

For further information please contact: The Muslim Council of Britain, Unit 5, Boardman House, 64 Broadway, Stratford, London E15 1NT
Tel: 0208 432 0585/6 Fax: 0208 432 0587 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: http://www.mcb.org.uk