At an emergency meeting held yesterday, to coordinate the Muslim community’s response on developments in Gaza, The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) national affiliates and supporting organisations reaffirmed their call for direct engagement with the Secretary of State. MCB Deputy Secretary-General Dr Daud Abdullah and co-ordinating chair of the crisis meetings said, ‘In view of the rapidly deteriorating situation, we feel that a meeting with the Foreign Secretary is vital to discuss our country’s stance on the conflict.’ In the light of the unavailability of the Foreign Secretary for a direct meeting with the Muslim community, the national affiliates and supporting organisations declined an invitation to a FCO briefing scheduled for today. ‘There is widespread consternation that our government, along with the United States, did not approve a vote in the Security Council, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the siege of Gaza. We find this incomprehensible given the dire humanitarian crisis,’ Dr Abdullah added. [END]       For further information please contact the MCB:       The Muslim Council of Britain,       PO Box 57330,       London,       E1 2WJ       Tel: 0845 26 26 786       Fax: 0207 247 7079       media@mcb.org.uk