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The problems that have been highlighted and the recommendations in this report are fine up to a point but are fairly obvious - why so much time was needed to get to this point is beyond me.

Dame Pauline Neville-Jones was interviewed on The Daily Politics, about 17 minutes into the programme.

The MCB has answered the accusations made to the organisation in the Report:

http://www.mcb.org.uk/media/presstext.php?ann_id=263

and also

http://www.mcb.org.uk/media/presstext.php?ann_id=252

Dame Pauline Neville-Jones DCMG
Shadow Security Minister and
National Security Adviser to the Leader of the Opposition
The Conservative Party
Conservative Campaign Headquarters
30 Millbank
London, SW1P 4DP

Dear Dame Pauline,

In May this year we wrote to the Leader of the Opposition with our response to Uniting the Country, the interim report produced by your National and International Security Policy Group.

My letter to Mr. Cameron outlined our robust response to the accusations levelled at the MCB. Overall, the MCB viewed the Interim Report as a tremendous missed opportunity. It neither addressed adequately community cohesion – the stated aim of the Report – nor did it address the safety of the realm and international stability – the remit of the Report’s authors. We concluded, however, on a note of optimism with a commitment to engage with the Conservative Party.

Mr. Cameron was gracious in his reply and promised to pass on our response to your Policy Group. I enclose our correspondence. I was hoping that your Policy Group would take the opportunity to read our deliberations and engage with us in open discussion in the spirit of co-operation and in the interest of our shared goal of a cohesive, successful Britain.

As you publish your final report, An Unquiet World, I am dismayed to learn that the gross misrepresentation of the MCB persists. It appears that the detailed response we provided to your interim report has been wholly ignored.

Policy matters aside, An Unquiet World, is adamant on pursuing a McCarthyite track to cast aspersions on our patriotism and our commitment to an integrated British Muslim community.

Despite our reservations, we still hold true to our commitment to seek the common good and extend our hand of co-operation to work together on this matter. Anything less would betray our founding values. Your report states that we are interested in lobbying rather than leading. We have demonstrated leadership, and we are interested in engaging and ensuring that all British Muslims are part and parcel of our liberal democratic traditions.

In this regard I would request that we meet to discuss the outcome of your report. My team and I would like the opportunity to answer the allegations made in your Report. Beyond that, we wish to work to pursue your goal of a united, safe and prosperous Britain.


Muhammad Abdul Bari
Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain

cc.
The Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP Ann Main MP
Damien Green MP Sayeeda Warsi Dominic Grieves MP

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