Being a Muslim in Britain is far more challenging than many people realise. At various points throughout my life, I have felt abandoned by the state, politicians, and government. Three generations of my family – my parents, myself and my children – have faced prejudice, racism and Islamophobia. Last summer’s riots have caused many of my peers, those born in Britain, to question whether it is time to seek safer, more prosperous opportunities elsewhere, as they feel their civil liberties are eroded, and our identities are increasingly scrutinised and stigmatised.

The Labour Government has a responsibility to reverse this trend, rebuild trust, and engage with Muslim communities and civil society, going beyond gatekeepers. However, Muslim communities must also meet the Labour government halfway in this effort.

 

Meeting Sir Keir Starmer - opportunities for growth

On Tuesday, 18th February 2025, the Prime Minister met with British Muslim leaders from business and civil society to discuss a plan for change. I had the privilege of being invited to meet Sir Keir Starmer to speak about challenges and opportunities for growth. 

This meeting marked the beginning of the government’s effort to build stronger partnerships with British Muslim organisations, leaders, practitioners and the diverse array of communities. However, a single point of engagement is not enough. There must be multiple avenues for listening to concerns, creating opportunities, and fostering collaborative partnerships.

With its long history of supporting British Muslims and other minority communities, Labour is uniquely placed to renew trust, build bridges, and foster a more socially cohesive society.

While this is no small task, recent developments at Number 10 demonstrate that the government is making it a clear priority. I am hopeful that this marks the reset British Muslims have been calling for.
 

The journey ahead

Although the meeting was a promising first step in revitalising engagement with Muslim communities, there remains a significant journey ahead.

Placing faith at the heart of policy development is crucial, with an inclusive approach that reflects the diversity within Muslim communities. This includes ensuring faith voices are integral to discussions on freedom of religion and belief and wider policy areas, particularly with the Government’s strong focus on social cohesion following last summer’s riots across the country.

The government's commitment to equality must be reflected in its approach to Muslim representation. It is crucial that policymaking in this space clearly distinguishes between broader social cohesion efforts, tackling hate crimes, promoting integration, and advancing inclusion, while treating counter-radicalisation, including the growing threat from the far right, as a distinct and separate area.
 

Islamophobia - unaddressed for too long

Islamophobia has gone unaddressed for far too long. The government must show an unwavering commitment to confronting Islamophobia both within political parties and across society. This commitment must include a definition of Islamophobia that allows Muslim communities to identify and name the discrimination they face. 

Public declarations of this commitment, comprehensive training for party members, and transparent, decisive action against Islamophobic behaviour within the party are essential. Furthermore, adequate resources must be allocated to monitor and reduce anti-Muslim hate crimes and discrimination.

Representation matters. While there are currently 25 British Muslim MPs – 18 Labour, four independent, two Conservative, and one Liberal Democrat – along with 19 British Muslim peers in the House of Lords, we need significant improvements in representation that truly reflect the diversity within Muslim communities. 

A representative Commons would have more than 40 British Muslim MPs, with a figure of more than 50 British Muslim peers based on current numbers in the Lords. However, representation cannot end at the level of politics. We need better representation in all sectors of society, where Muslims feel they have a voice to create change.

'Britain is my home'

On Tuesday 25th February, I attended the launch of the British Muslim Network and roundtable discussions. I was delighted to join over 250 Muslims reflecting the diversity of Muslims in Britain, including business leaders, civil society leaders, practitioners, creatives, philanthropists, politicians and many more. Importantly, our allies from across British society joined us in standing in solidarity which is deeply appreciated. 

Britain is my home and I am confident it always will be. Political participation extends beyond the ballot box and party politics into civic life and community engagement. British Muslims are here to stay, and it is our responsibility, as British Muslims, to collaborate with the government to create the political change necessary for a more inclusive and equitable future.

There is a long way to go to redress the injustices my community has faced for too long. But I am optimistic that the change we have been calling for might be just around the corner.

 

Mohammed Ali Amla

Youth and partnerships director, Solutions Not Sides 

Trustee, The Faith & Belief Forum.