Sadiq Khan backs proposal for Muslim war memorial in London

Sadiq Khan has backed plans to build a memorial in London for Muslims who fought in the First and Second World Wars.

The planned monument will be the first of its kind in the UK and a permanent reminder of the Muslims who fought alongside the British Armed Forces. But despite Khan’s support, the National Muslim War Memorial Trust (NMWMT) said their contribution has “not been given the public recognition it deserves”. 

The organisation’s chair, the Conservative peer Lord Sheikh, said the “heroic contribution” of Muslims in the British Armed Forces during both World Wars has been “undervalued”.

According to NMWMT, at least 2.5m Muslim soldiers fought with the allied forces during World War I. The British Indian Army had at least 400,000 Muslims serving in it. There were also a large number of Muslims serving in the British merchant navy.

The Mayor of London said: “The incredible contribution that Muslim soldiers have made, and continue to make, to the British Armed Forces deserves to be commemorated and celebrated. It is only right that those who have given their lives for our country are recognised and honoured by a prominent national monument and that the public is able to learn more about the sacrifices made by these brave men and women for our country.”

Lord Mohamed Iltaf Sheikh, chairman of NMWMT, said: “We very much hope to draw attention to and get more public recognition for the sacrifices made by Muslim personnel in the British Armed Forces. I am grateful for all the support our campaign is getting. The support of the London Mayor is particularly significant as the first memorial will be located in the capital.”

FUND HONEST INDEPENDENT MUSLIM JOURNALISM

Donate today and help us tell the stories that matter. Together we can make a difference

Donate today and help us tell the stories that matter.
Together we can make a difference

The mainstream media has been justifying genocide in Gaza. Islamophobia and censorship are the norm. We're changing that. Our journalism has reached over 300M impressions on social media since October 7th. On TV, our rolling news coverage has featured key figures like Husam Zomlot, Avi Shlaim, Gideon Levy and Jeremy Corbyn.

We need your support to reveal the truth and ensure our voices are heard. Donate today.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

TOP STORIES

RELATED STORIES

GPU FESTIVAL
IS BACK AND
EVEN BETTER!

Subscribe to the GPU
Newsletter to receive
25% off
your tickets

CONTACT INFORMATION

Islam Channel
Media House
428-432 Ley Street
London
IG2 7BS

+(44) 207 374 4511