MCB condemns Islam4UK march

London, Jan 5, IRNA – British Muslims have joined the widespread condemnations of a proposed march through a town in southern England used for the repatriation of UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) echoed sentiments expressed by Allison Bucknell, Mayoress of Wooton Bassett, criticising the call made by an extremist fringe group, which describes itself as Islam4UK.

“This group thrives on controversy and we will do well to ensure we do not grant them the oxygen of publicity they crave,” MCB said.
“The overwhelming majority of British Muslims want nothing to do with such extremists,” it said.

Bucknell described the Islam4UK plan as "a disgusting publicity stunt" and predicted the march would attract little support. "Thankfully they are a tiny minority and local Islamic groups in Wiltshire are totally opposed to them," she said.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown also condemned the proposed march as "abhorrent and offensive." Any demonstration which offended the families of soldiers killed and injured in Afghanistan would be considered "completely inappropriate," his office said.

MCB said that there was a difference between opposing Britain’s war in Afghanistan and resorting to such sensationalist and divisive stunts that other peace campaign groups did not share.

“The MCB respects the value of free speech in Britain and echoes the sentiments of many of its affiliates to disregard such provocations,” it said.

The umbrella Muslim organisation also commended the local Wiltshire Islamic Cultural Centre and others for issuing a clear message that this protest is “not acceptable and has no support at all by the local Muslim community.”/end