Following the publishing of ‘Protecting What Matters'
yesterday, below is a selection of stakeholder quotes on the
government's plans to build stronger communities.
Shabir Randeree CBE, Chair of the British Muslim Trust
said:
“The definition published today is welcomed and should be a step
forward that will help guide institutions that have too often
been too slow or too weak in their responses to incidents a
tolerant and respectful country like ours must never accept. The
BMT looks forward to seeing the impact and implementation of the
definition and we will not be afraid to raise our voice if we
don't see the positive change needed to keep Muslim communities
safe and protected, as well as all victims of Anti-Muslim hate.
“At the same time, our work goes on. We will continue to put
victims at the heart of our work, we will monitor and report on
Anti-Muslim hate crimes and incidents – and we will continue to
call for the protections and support required to ensure that
British Muslims can live lives every bit as full and free from
abuse as anyone else.”
Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies of
British Jews:
"We welcome the new government plan to confront extremism and
build social cohesion, including specific measures set out to
tackle antisemitism wherever and however it manifests, and the
commitment to address the sources of ideological extremism
through which antisemitism is spreading. This new plan builds
explicitly on proposals the Board of Deputies has brought to
government with our communal colleagues and we will continue
working with government to ensure they are fully implemented. In
the context of different forms of rising prejudice, including
against our British Muslim friends and neighbours facing record
levels of anti-Muslim hatred, we also commit play our part to
build a more cohesive Britain for people of all faiths and ethnic
backgrounds."
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK,
said:
‘Hostility against Muslims and those perceived to be Muslims is
on the rise in the UK and we all have a duty to stand up against
it. We are pleased that the new definition of anti-Muslim
hostility, along with its supporting guidance, does this while
explicitly protecting speech that is critical of religious ideas,
in line with international human rights standards.'
Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies,
said:
“The action plan is an important and timely recognition that
cohesion, resilience and a shared sense of belonging cannot be
left to chance.
“It sets out a serious attempt to move from analysis to action,
combining place-based investment, clearer integration
expectations, and stronger protection against hatred, extremism
and division.”
“If delivered with care, local partnership and long-term
commitment, the plan has the potential to strengthen trust, pride
and social connection across our communities.”
Keith Black, Chair of the Jewish Leadership Council,
said:
"The deadly consequences of extremism are all too familiar for
the Jewish community. We welcome the government's announcement of
long overdue measures to combat extremist ideologies and
strengthen social cohesion across the country. It is encouraging
that the government recognises this call to action as the
beginning of a longer process. Delivering this agenda will
require clear leadership and sustained resourcing across
government so that British citizens, including the Jewish
community, can live our lives and practise our faith without
fear. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with
the government as this important work moves forward."
MBE, Chief Executive,
Antisemitism Policy Trust:
“This action plan is a welcome step towards realising a vision of
Britain that celebrates our liberal democratic principles, is
patriotic but that is muscular in its defence of our values. The
key now will be implementation, and I look forward to working
with Ministers and others on ensuring this plan is fully
enacted.”
