MP Meets Muslim Leaders
Thursday 18th October
Representatives of East Ham mosques met with Stephen Timms, Member of Parliament
for East Ham, last Friday (12/10/25). Top of the agenda was the terrorist attack
of September 11th, 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 11th 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 11th.
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."
[ up ]
