New Report Calls on Policymakers to Unlock the Potential of British Muslims

The recently published British Muslim Civil Society (BMCS) 2023 report commissioned by Mercy Mission UK and supported by the APPG on British Muslims has passionately called on policymakers in the UK to unlock the potential of British Muslims.

It urges policymakers to recognise the pivotal role faith-based organisations play in civil society and to take notice of their substantial assets to improve direct investment and develop stronger relations between Muslim civil society and government across all levels.

While the report finds exceptional success stories of a dynamic British Muslim civil society that makes significant contributions, it also underlines some of the community’s issues, such as poverty-related limitations. Consequently, the recommendations put forward by the report seek to solve such issues and, in turn, empower Muslim civil society to facilitate effective social change in the UK.

Alongside calling for the adoption of the APPG on British Muslims’ definition of Islamophobia, the report further recommends:

• Addressing systemic and structural causes for Muslim poverty rather than exclusively focusing on emergency relief.
• Long-term strategic thinking among the BMCS; and investment in data, research, and media work to understand, map, and shape the future of Muslim civil society.
• Support for the Muslim youth sector to meet the increasing demands and aspirations of a young Muslim population.
• Improving Muslim women’s engagement in civil society organisations, including greater participation on the boards of mosques and other organisations.
• Mosques and community centres are assisted in their efforts to become essential hubs for civil society and social influence.

Ultimately, MEND welcomes the report and its recommendations as it reflects the efforts and calls of Muslim grassroots organisations such as MEND and the MCB. We now hope that policymakers are attentive to the report’s findings and that efforts to act on the findings and bridge the gap between Muslim civil society and government at all levels are ramped up.