The Letters Editor
The Times
1 Pennington Street
London E98 1XY

15 February 2007

Dear Sir,

Dean Godson's comment ('Struggle for the soul of British Islam hots up', The Times 15 February 2007) reiterates many of the flaws contained in the documents he positively appraises.

He cites the Policy Exchange report authored by Munira Mirza as attesting to the 'manufactured' basis of identity politics, fuelled largely we're told, by the MCB in pursuit of nefarious and divisive ends. This collective seeks to divide the British Muslim community into 'good' and 'bad' partners, based on their own perverse preferences for compliant actors, and not on any objective analysis of the work of the organisations concerned. It is strange that the politicisation of religion and scaremongering by Mr Godson and his associates, should not rear its ugly head in any discussion on organisational obstacles to social harmony and community cohesion.

It's time Mr Godson and his Policy Exchange coven stopped demonising the MCB; peddling falsehoods that fit their warped criticisms of Muslims in Britain who don't want the 'moderate' label defined for them by those ill disposed to do so. To not be endorsed by Policy Exchange is the primary accolade of most British Muslims today.

Your sincerely,

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari,
Secretary General,
The Muslim Council of Britain

PO Box 57330,
London E15 1NT