Meeting East Ham's Mosques

Representatives of East Ham mosques met with Stephen Timms, Member of Parliament for East Ham, last Friday (12 October 2001). Top of the agenda was the terrorist attack of September 11^th, and the military action that has since been taken against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Mr Timms also discussed with them recent developments in Newham.

There was widespread condemnation of the attacks of September 11^th at the meeting, which was also attended by a number of Councillors. It was agreed that terrorist activity threatens us all, regardless of our race, nationality or religion. Concerns were expressed that, while the Government has stressed that the military action is against terrorism and not against Islam, some Muslims did feel threatened at present. It was pointed out that religious tolerance has been one of Newham’s strengths in the past, and that we needed to ensure that that continued to be the case.

Mr Timms remarked, "I suggested a meeting along these lines during the election campaign earlier in the year. I thought it would be useful to meet from time to time with representatives of mosques in the area, as part of my work of keeping in touch with all parts of our community. This was the first such meeting."

"Newham Muslims have made it clear to me they were as shocked and appalled as the rest of us by the events of September 11^th. They are absolutely opposed to terrorism. I understand there are concerns about aspects of the current military action - concerns for example that we all share for the well being of civilians in Afghanistan. We all agreed at the meeting that we need to safeguard relationships in our community at this difficult time."