United Kingdom
The Contested Shawcross Review of PREVENT: Anti-Terrorism or Anti-Islam?
On 8 February 2023, the long-awaited report – The Independent Review of Prevent – conducted by the commissioner for public appointments William Shawcross, was published after much skepticism, delay and controversy, even from within the cabinet.[1] The Prevent Duty, born in the wake of 9/11 as part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy, places a duty…
No working definition of Islamophobia for the UK Government: Implications and Reactions
Tuesday 1st November was the beginning of the tenth Islamophobia awareness month, a campaign founded in 2012 by MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) and partner organisations which aims to “showcase the positive contributions of Muslims as well as raise awareness of Islamophobia in society”1. The campaign theme for 2022 is “#TacklingDenial” of Islamophobia to raise…
Black and Muslim in the UK :Between Invisibility and Over Exposure
The 22nd of September saw the release of the latest report by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) in collaboration with Everyday Muslim Archive and Heritage Initiative (an archive which documents and preserves UK Muslim experiences). Titled “Race, Faith and Community in Contemporary Britain”, the report shines a light on the heritage, perspectives, contributions and…
King Charles III and Islam : Between Colonial Past and Islamophilia
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022, King Charles III (formerly The Prince of Wales and Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son) ascended to the throne1. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II – the longest reigning monarch in the history of the UK – is a rare and historic moment, and while many…
British Muslims As “Second-Class” Citizens : The Combined Effect of Security and Islamophobia
The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) (an independent educational charity specializing on race relations throughout the world) released their latest report on Sunday 11th September 2022 titled “Citizenship: From Right to Privilege”. In 2021, as the Nationality and Borders Bill was going through parliament, the IRR drew attention to Clause 9 of the bill which…