The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) will press for a Commission of Inquiry, similar to the Scarman Commission, into the disturbances in the North of England when it meets with Home Office Minister Angela Eagle on Monday 16th July 2001 at 3.00pm.
"Now is the time to separate unacceptable, mindless violence from the festering causes of discontent that made such appalling events possible. We have to bring hope and build harmony in neglected communities by determined, clear
sighted collective endeavour" says MCB Secretary General, Yousuf Bhailok.
A public inquiry will provide a framework whereby the frustrations of all
sections of these communities can be expressed and investigated honestly and
openly. There is a need to examine the failures and shortcomings of policies
that have not advanced a genuine multicultural society, despite the willingness
of the great majority of people to live together in harmony and work for the
common good of our society.
The MCB is deeply troubled by attempts to turn
racism into Islamophobia. "We have to get beyond generalities," says Mr Bhailok.
There are complex, local, particular and different contributory causes as
well longstanding general conditions of social and economic deprivation. We
need to understand how and why policy actually falls short or fails, or where
it works. We need to address the specifics, including the role of criminal
elements and fascist groups, so we can get the right help presented in the
right way to get the best results. A public inquiry is the proper way to bring
clarity and new purpose to the task.
"There is now a stronger case to outlaw
Religious Discrimination and Incitement to Religious Hatred. What we have
seen in recent weeks is the kind of Britain none of us want to live in. It
is time to begin a new chapter by defining, making clear and bringing into
existence the multicultural Britain we can genuinely share in security, with
mutual respect, in fairness and equity for all" says Yousuf Bhailok The delegation
will meet the Press after the meeting. [Ends] For more information please
call the MCB on 020 8903 9650 out of Office Hours on 07904 153787 or 07734 219338
