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British Muslims for Secular Democracy (bmsd) welcomes the Government's announcement of further details relating to the Counter-terrorism review

14/07/2010

bmsd acknowledges that while these measures may have been brought in with good intentions, much of the counter-terrorism legislation that has been implemented over the last ten years has caused grievance and alienation amongst various communities in the UK, especially BME and Muslim communities.  Instead of targeting specific people based on intelligence and analysis, there has been a disproportionate erosion of civil liberties. 

Dr Shaaz Mahboob, Vice chair of British Muslims for Secular Democracy said: "We recognise that the struggle against extremism is a difficult one to fight.  We hope that any new or amended powers that are introduced as a result of this review will be more in line with the UK's liberal traditions. At the same time, any future laws should enhance the hard work that our law enforcement agencies undertake and should support their efforts.  It is also vital for all communities and those who are equally concerned about the use of these powers to work together in the common goal of combating extremism in all its forms."

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Notes to the editors:  

  1. bmsd is made up of a group of Muslim democrats of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, who support a clear separation between religion and the State.  
  2. bmsd’s mission statement:   “To promote civic engagement, social inclusion, responsible citizenship and good governance particularly within constituent Muslim communities of Britain; in order to build an understanding of the shared values between all citizens to enable them to live in an inclusive, pluralist, secular and confident Britain.”   
  3. bmsd claims no mandate or false representative status. Our primary concern is democratic engagement not detailed theological analysis or debate. The level and depth of commitment to the doctrinal core and orthodoxy of the faith varies among Muslims as much as it does in members of other faith groups. bmsd founders wish to create a platform for alternative, diverse Muslim views, essential for a progressive, multi-layered, democratic identity that is not in conflict with itself or fellow citizens.  
  4. For details please visit http://www.bmsd.org.uk  
  5. For any further queries, please contact:  Dr Shaaz Mahboob on  shaaz@bmsd.org.uk or 07961365751 or Tehmina Kazi on
    0207 631 4175