The government's new Young Muslim Advisory Group (YMAG), launched yesterday by the Home Office as a way to "help deepen its engagement with young Muslims," has been criticised by a conservative Peer as divisive and ill-judged.
The group of twenty two young Muslims aged 16-25 - chosen for their commitment to community work - will have direct access to senior cabinet ministers and discuss issues affecting their day to day lives including tackling discrimination, increasing employment levels, preventing extremism and boosting civic participation.
Shadow minister for community cohesion Baroness Warsi condemned the initiative as divisive and patronising claiming it was another example of the governments failed policy of mutliculturalism that will ultimately drive communities further apart. She said:
"When will the Government learn that the Muslim community is not a homogenous block, and the issues its young people face are predominantly the same issues that all young people in this country face, whatever their background, race, or religion?"
The group's creation, described by the Home Office as "a key part of the Government's work to Prevent Violent Extremism," sees the government move away from its traditional reliance on Muslim organisations such as the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). In a statement the Home Office said:
"The direct engagement and active participation of young people ... is far more effective than simply engaging with organisations that claim to represent young people, and is crucial in building and sustaining resilient communities."
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears praised the group is an example of "democracy in action". She said:
"The contribution young people can make to finding solutions to issues in society often goes unrecognised and untapped. Young Muslims have a vital role to play in challenging prejudice and preconceptions both within their community and in wider society and I want to hear directly from these young people on a wide range of issues."
The demand for Muslim schools comes from parents who want their children a safe environment with an Islamic ethos.Parents see Muslim schools where children can develop their Islamic Identity where they won't feel stigmatised for being Muslims and they can feel confident about their faith.Muslim schools are working to try to create a bridge between communities. There is a belief among ethnic minority parens that the British schooling
does not adequatly address their cultural needs. Failing to meet this need could result in feeling resentment among a group who already feel excluded. Setting up Muslim school is a defensive response. There are hundreds of state and Church schools where Muslim pupils are in majority. In my opinion, all such schools may be designated as Muslim community schools. There is no place for a non-Muslim child or a teacher in a Muslim school because bilingual Muslim children need bilingual Muslim teachers as role models during their developmental periods.
Iftikhar Ahmad
www.londonschoolofislamics.org.uk