News from the New Party

Friday, February 02, 2007

Muslim heroes

Social cohesion is a fundamental principle of New Party thinking, and as part and parcel of that we recognise that a strong civic and national identity needs to be fostered. It is incumbent on all citizens of this country to work to achieve the objective of a harmonious, cohesive society, regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief or any cultural difference. We all need to live together and work together to make society work.

This week one unsung but vitally important group of people has unexpectively thrust into the forefront of this important issue: the three hundred or so British service personnel who are members of the British Muslim community. We recognise the difficulties and challenges that membership of the British armed forces places on Muslims in Britain today. We nevertheless salute the courage, integrity and patriotism of those British Muslims who serve the country and their fellow citizens in this most fundamental way: fundamental because of the nature of the ultimate sacrifice that any British serviceman or woman may one day be called upon to make. There is no greater symbol of commitment to a united, cohesive British society than the decision to volunteer to serve in our armed forces.

The dreadful news of the alleged plot to kidnap and behead a British Muslim soldier, brought to light this week following the arrest of a number of terrorist suspects in Birmingham, would be appalling enough in any event. If this incident serves to intimidate potential Muslim recruits from joining the Army, Navy or RAF then the blow to a cohesive British society will be subtle but serious. We applaud those Muslim leaders and organisations who have urged cooperation from the Muslim community in the investigation of the current allegations, and we deplore the rejectionism of those who reserve their criticism for the police in the conduct of their work. We hope and expect that the great majority of Muslims in this country will continue to work together with the wider community to stand against terrorism and to build a cohesive and harmonious nation.

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Muslim heroes