Muslim Council of Britain urges govt to end non-engagement policy

Muslim Council of Britain urges govt to end non-engagement policy

LONDON: The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the country's largest Muslim civil society organization, has urged ministers to reconsider their policy of non-engagement with it, saying this has had "tragic consequences" throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The MCB asked whether "similar faith-based, democratic bodies are excluded in this way" at a time when there is concern about the levels of vaccine uptake among members of minority communities, including the UK's 2. 5 million Muslims. The MCB's work throughout the pandemic has included detailed guidance across a range of issues for individuals and mosques. Its work has received praise from the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. Since then, communication between the MCB and the government has been inconsistent. The organization said contact was completely cut off last March. "The tragic consequences of such a policy were seen at the height of the pandemic, when civil servants unexpectedly ceased engaging with the MCB, without providing a reason," said a spokesperson for the organization. "This took place at a time when both parties were working hard to provide vital information and guidance to Muslim communities, and whilst government ministries were sharing our work." Muslims in the UK have found themselves at the sharp