“So the British Muslim Network, we’re hoping to overcome some of those negative attitudes, to really put into the public sphere and the public conversation the reality of the lived lives of British Muslims around the UK and that they are overwhelmingly, just like any other person in the UK, just trying to live their lives.
Speaking ahead of BMN’s launch event, Sayeeda Warsi, the peer who was the first Muslim woman to serve in cabinet, said: “For too long British Muslims have been made to feel their voices do not matter … The British Muslim Network is part of a much-needed effort to change that.”.
Nusrat Ghani said British Muslims were “making contributions across the UK and I am pleased to play a role in highlighting that”, while Sunder Katwala, the director of the British Future thinktank, said: “Britain will be a more inclusive country once every institution of power and influence can confidently engage with all parts of society.”.
“Of course, there are challenges within the Muslim community, like with any community, like in British society, but some of those challenges have been weaponised, I think, to really paint a very negative picture of British Muslims.
Prominent British Muslims in politics, media, business and sport have come together to influence government policy on behalf of 4 million British Muslims.
