Press / Media MSF Press Release 4th February 2008 | MSF Press Release 4th February 2008 |
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Muslim MP bugged by Police The Muslim Safety Forum (MSF) is concerned by media reports that the MP Sadiq Khan was secretly bugged by Scotland Yard Anti-Terrorist officers during meetings with a constituent. Such activities go against the principle established by Harold Wilson in 1966. Furthermore the ramifications of such reports can only damage the relationship between communities and the Police.The MSF welcomes the call by the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, for an immediate inquiry. The MSF has also contacted Scotland Yard and asked for an immediate meeting to seek clarification on this matter.Mujib Miah, Chair of the MSF stated; “When the government is focused in trying to win hearts and minds and work together against the threat of terrorism, this news report, if true, completely undermines this effort.” He further added, “We are concerned about the manner in which police carry out some activities on the basis of intelligence or hunches. In the past they have ruptured community trust and wasted valuable resources as it was demonstrated during the Forest Gate raids in 2006. The police service must recognise the fragility of public trust in the authorities and incident such this can only further alienate community groups.” We welcome the calm and measured approach taken by Sadiq Khan in this very difficult time for him both as an MP and a Muslim. We urge the Police and the Ministry of Justice to act swiftly and bring clarity to this matter.
END Note for Editors: The MSF is made up of national and regional Islamic organisations including: Al Ershad Centre, Al Ikhlas Foundation / Muslim Prisoners Support Group, Al Khoei Foundation, Al Maghrib, Al Muntada Al Islami, Amal Trust, AMP – BTP, AMP – MPS, An Nisa Society, Bangla 2000 - 1990 Trust, Barnet Muslim Advisory Group, Basildon Islamic Centre, British Muslim Forum (BMF), Eritrean Muslim Community, FAIR, FOSIS, IFE, Iqra Trust, ISB, Islamic Cultural Centre, Kingswood Islamic Committee, LMC, MAB, MCB, Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, Muslim Directory, Muslim Parliament, Muslim Voices, Muslimaat UK, Q News, Somali Muslim Community, Cage Prisoners, The Avenue School, The Muslim College, UKIM, Women’s Relief, YMO, UMO The MSF is the key advisory body for the Police Service and has signed a working protocol with the Metropolitan Police & ACPO to build better police / community relations. It has been advising the police on matters of safety and security from the Muslim perspective for over five years now. It meets on a monthly basis with senior representatives of ACPO and the MPS, the MPA, Home Office, CPS and the IPCC amongst others. If you have any further queries then please contact: Azad Ali (07956 527 296) or Abdurahman Jafar (07905 891 299)
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