The British Muslim Network, a new organisation aimed at engaging with the government on issues affecting Muslims, officially launched this week.

The launch event attracted several high-profile figures, including Conservative peer Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and Health Secretary Wes Streeting.

Other notable attendees included Brendan Cox, widower of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, Labour’s faith minister Lord Wajid Khan, British Army imam Asim Hafiz, and Conservative MP Nusrat Ghani.

Critics say the BMN lacks grassroots Muslim credibility and feel some figures associated with the group are too close to the establishment and unlikely to challenge authorities on pressing Muslim issues.

Others have observed that BMN’s establishment could further marginalise the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), which has been the main representative body for British Muslims for approximately three decades.

“In a time when our communities face increasing challenges, this network serves as a non-partisan space for engagement and collaboration,” said BMN’s Co Chair’s Akeela Ahmed MBE and Qari Asim MBE after the launch event on twitter. “We’re committed to elevating the perspectives and lived experiences of British Muslims and ensuring their contributions are recognised.”

“As co-chairs, we are driven by a simple yet powerful vision: a Britain where British Muslims are not just talked about but heard, valued, and empowered. This means challenging misrepresentation, building bridges, and championing solutions that benefit all.

“We were delighted to be joined by a diverse group of professionals, experts, and activists who share our from around the country. We are in start-up mode, gathering input from all to better position us to deliver on our priorities in a constructive way.

“We look forward to working with allies from all backgrounds who believe in a more inclusive, just, and forward-thinking Britain.”

A rival to MCB?

Successive governments have maintained a policy of “non-engagement” with the MCB for over a decade.

The presence of key Labour figures at the launch event suggests the government is likely to engage with this new organisation while continuing its boycott of the MCB.

The BMN’s leadership has previously stated that the government should engage with other Muslim groups, including MCB.

When rumours initially circulated about a new Labour-supported Muslim group, the initiative reportedly lost significant backing and funding from within the community.

According to the group, its three core objectives are to amplify British Muslims’ experiences and positive social contributions, strengthen diverse Muslim voices in positions of influence to promote equal rights, and create collaborative networks among British Muslim leaders to drive systemic change.

On the MCB’s position regarding the newly formed British Muslim Network, a spokesperson said: “The Muslim Council of Britain welcomes all genuine efforts to serve British Muslim communities.

“With over 500 affiliated organisations and regular democratic elections, we remain focused on uniting, empowering, and serving our communities through impactful grassroots work and constructive dialogue with all partners.

“As part of this commitment, our Vision 2050 sets out a long-term roadmap for a confident, successful, and engaged British Muslim community.” 

Image credit: British Muslim Network twitter