The Muslim Council of Britain reveals how in 39 key constituencies, Muslim communities may have had an impact.
9 June 2017
Analysis by the Muslim Council of Britain reveals the strength of Muslim communities coming out to vote at the general election yesterday.
This follows earlier analysis by the Muslim Council of Britain which identified 16 constituencies where the impact of Muslim communities could be “high”. In these seats, the swing in the majority towards Labour was 7,789 on average (equivalent to c.16% of the electorate vs. c.2% national swing). Every one of these 16 seats is now held by the Labour party:
- 11 previously Labour seats: the Labour vote was strengthened in every seat
- 5 previously Conservative seats: Labour gained every seat from the Conservatives
In the 23 constituencies where the MCB determined the impact of Muslim communities as “medium”, the swing in the majority towards Labour (or the Liberal Democrats in the Conservative-Lib Dem marginal Kingston & Surbiton) was 6,839 on average (c. 15% of the electorate vs. c.2% national swing):
- 16 previously Labour seats: the Labour vote was strengthened in every seat except for Bolton North East
- 7 previously Conservative seats:
- In 5 seats, the margin of victory was decreased but remained Conservative (swing to Labour)
- In 1 seat, the Liberal Democrats gained from the Conservatives
- In 1 seat, the Conservatives increased their majority in Bolton West by 135
Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB said: “There is no block Muslim vote, nor can we know how Muslims have voted. What we can see, however, is Muslim and BME communities, in particular the young, enthused and involved in the political process across the country. In the 39 constituencies where Muslim communities could have had an impact, it appears they have done so.
He continued: “We congratulate all the political parties and look forward to the government working closely with Muslim communities in the future. We hope the highest profile issues including Brexit, security and public services will be moved forward in a way that brings the country together and in line with the broader Parliament’s will.
“I would also like to acknowledge and welcome the fact that this election has returned a record number of women. I congratulate them and the Muslims who have retained or joined the House of Commons for the first time. And I congratulate too Parliament’s first Sikh woman and turban-wearing Sikh. All of these are important developments and demonstrates that the British people are ready to elect a diverse range of people who reflect our multicultural society.”
[ENDS]
Notes to Editors:
1. The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella body with over
500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques,
charities and schools.
2. For the initial analysis, see www.mcb.org.uk/project/muslim-vote/
3. For further information please contact:
The Muslim Council of Britain
PO Box 57330
London
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
[email protected]
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