Testimonials
BMN is fortunate to have received praise from a broad cross-section of leaders of all backgrounds:
“For too long British Muslims have been made to feel that their voices do not matter. As a result, many feel alienated and their contribution to our society is underutilised. The British Muslim Network is part of a much needed effort to change that and I hope everyone, from all backgrounds, will get behind it.”
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
“As someone who has experienced racism and Islamophobia throughout my life and career, I understand what it’s like to feel disrespected. The British Muslim Network is bringing people together to support British Muslims to tackle misconceptions and prejudices. It’s an idea whose time has come.”
Azeem Rafiq - Former professional England cricketer
“As Bishop of Bradford I have come to work closely with Britain’s Muslim communities. I know something about their diversity, energy and faith - as well as some of the challenges they face. Yet policy makers have too often failed to connect with much of this. The British Muslim Network is a much needed added voice and I look forward to working with them”
The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford
“I welcome the setting up of the British Muslim Network to join other Muslim organisations in the advocacy space to help amplify experiences of Muslim communities to decision makers.”
Baroness Shaista Gohir - Chief Executive, Muslim Women’s Network
“British Muslims are serving our great country in all areas of public service and are making contributions across the UK and I am pleased to play a role in highlighting that. I hope this new network can give a stronger voice to Britain’s diverse, vibrant and engaged Muslim communities.”
Nusrat Ghani MP - Deputy Speaker of the House
"The British Muslim Network represents our evolution as British Muslims. Our voices must be heard today and in the years to come. I fully endorse this initiative”.
Shabir Randeree CBE, Muslim philanthropist and Chair of Kings Trust International
“There are many challenges ahead, including the anti-Muslim prejudice exemplified by the 2024 riots. It is important we hear from the widest range of constructive voices in the Muslim community - by gender, generations and geography - across different issues, to help make this a country where we respect differences and work together for the common good. An increasingly diverse Britain needs its bridgers, so I wish the British Muslim Network well in its efforts to strengthen the relationships to achieve that”
Sunder Katwala - Director, British Future
“This is very welcome and a long overdue initiative. The failure of recent governments to have a meaningful engagement with Muslim organisations and leaders has weakened our community cohesion and our ability to build more resilient communities. Hope Not Hate looks forward to working with the British Muslim Network
Nick Lowles - Chief Executive, Hope Not Hate
“The round table discussions focused on subjects like health and wellbeing, social mobility and philanthropy. They brought people together from diverse expertise, skills, passions and knowledge to tackle knotty problems. It was powerful to discuss real actions
It’s more important than ever that we create this non-partisan space for engagement and collaboration, for lifting and finding solutions, creating opportunities to break stereotypes and build bridges and ensure the immense contributions of Muslims are recognised, valued and used in a way that brings the best benefit.
Saba Hussain - EDI Business Partner, London Ambulance Service
“I was honoured to be part of the British Muslim Network (BMN) launch, a platform dedicated to elevating diverse voices within our community. The discussions highlighted the importance of including people from all walks of life into the conversation so that their needs and wants are truly reflected in decision making and policy change. The launch successfully welcomed people from diverse communities, backgrounds and faiths and successfully gave everyone a seat at the table. The eagerness and warmth was reflected right from the beginning with people arriving and immediately asking how they could be of service. I am excited for the impact this network will have on British Muslim communities. The feeling in the room was overwhelmingly positive and demonstrated the deep desire to work together to build a more equitable future”.
Aamna Khokar - Educational Consultant and Founder, Leaf Coaching
“The launch of BMN was transformative beyond measure. The atmosphere was electric, and every word resonated with purpose. Each speech emerged as a masterclass in clarity and conviction, with speakers sharing deeply personal narratives that underscored the vital importance of community, equality, and integration. I left the event profoundly proud and empowered—a living testament to the strength of our collective spirit”
Samina Hussain - Founder, Sakoon Through Cancer
“The discussions at the BMN launch hit home. Panellists shared painful experiences, families attacked by the far right, children singled out for being Muslim. One point that stood out: in the past, many of us were targeted simply for being brown. Now, we are targeted for being Muslim. I was born and raised in this country. I always felt part of its diverse fabric, benefiting from its opportunities and support. But I can’t ignore the shift. I feel it when I walk into certain spaces, on the train, in the street, even in restaurants. The way people look at me, it’s different. It’s unsettling. And I know I’m not alone in this. BMN hopes to formalise these conversations, to make sure they don’t just stay within our communities but reach the policymakers and changemakers who can make a difference. The event brought together people from all backgrounds, Lords, grassroots activists, faith leaders. Some were skeptical, but many were hopeful. As Bishop of Bradford Toby Howarth so powerfully put it: "A divided voice shouts, whilst a collective voice is heard."
Ridwana Wallace-Laher - Director of Growth, Islamic Help
“With recent alarming statistics indicating that this is the most dangerous time to be Muslim, the launch of the BMN couldn’t be more timely. The lack of consistent engagement has meant that the government is missing critical insights into British Muslim communities, leading to uninformed policymaking and unnecessary alienation of our community. This initiative is set to be a game-changer in ensuring our voices are heard where they matter most. The launch was uplifting and hopeful. The event featured powerful speeches and panel discussions.Seeing so many allies from various faith communities attend the event was wonderful, reinforcing the importance of interfaith solidarity. As British Muslims, we not only need to strengthen our connections with one another but also our allies. At such a critical time, coming together, standing in solidarity, and ensuring our voices are both seen and heard has never been more important.This is just the beginning of many more conversations and actions to come which I very much look forward to supporting”
Hira Ali - Author and Executive Coach
"Thank you for inviting me to the launch of BMN. It was a professional, joyous, and hope-filled gathering. The energy of the people was warm and welcoming, sincere, and dedicated to service—creating a true sense of hope and harmony. I am confident this energy will translate into a positive impact for all. We at URI are ready to work with you and alongside you."
Deepak Naik, Chair, United Religions Initiative
“For too long British Muslims have been made to feel that their voices do not matter. As a result, many feel alienated and their contribution to our society is underutilised. The British Muslim Network is part of a much needed effort to change that and I hope everyone, from all backgrounds, will get behind it.”
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
“As someone who has experienced racism and Islamophobia throughout my life and career, I understand what it’s like to feel disrespected. The British Muslim Network is bringing people together to support British Muslims to tackle misconceptions and prejudices. It’s an idea whose time has come.”
Azeem Rafiq - Former professional England cricketer
“As Bishop of Bradford I have come to work closely with Britain’s Muslim communities. I know something about their diversity, energy and faith - as well as some of the challenges they face. Yet policy makers have too often failed to connect with much of this. The British Muslim Network is a much needed added voice and I look forward to working with them”
The Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford
“I welcome the setting up of the British Muslim Network to join other Muslim organisations in the advocacy space to help amplify experiences of Muslim communities to decision makers.”
Baroness Shaista Gohir - Chief Executive, Muslim Women’s Network
“British Muslims are serving our great country in all areas of public service and are making contributions across the UK and I am pleased to play a role in highlighting that. I hope this new network can give a stronger voice to Britain’s diverse, vibrant and engaged Muslim communities.”
Nusrat Ghani MP - Deputy Speaker of the House
"The British Muslim Network represents our evolution as British Muslims. Our voices must be heard today and in the years to come. I fully endorse this initiative”.
Shabir Randeree CBE, Muslim philanthropist and Chair of Kings Trust International
“There are many challenges ahead, including the anti-Muslim prejudice exemplified by the 2024 riots. It is important we hear from the widest range of constructive voices in the Muslim community - by gender, generations and geography - across different issues, to help make this a country where we respect differences and work together for the common good. An increasingly diverse Britain needs its bridgers, so I wish the British Muslim Network well in its efforts to strengthen the relationships to achieve that”
Sunder Katwala - Director, British Future
“This is very welcome and a long overdue initiative. The failure of recent governments to have a meaningful engagement with Muslim organisations and leaders has weakened our community cohesion and our ability to build more resilient communities. Hope Not Hate looks forward to working with the British Muslim Network
Nick Lowles - Chief Executive, Hope Not Hate
“The round table discussions focused on subjects like health and wellbeing, social mobility and philanthropy. They brought people together from diverse expertise, skills, passions and knowledge to tackle knotty problems. It was powerful to discuss real actions
It’s more important than ever that we create this non-partisan space for engagement and collaboration, for lifting and finding solutions, creating opportunities to break stereotypes and build bridges and ensure the immense contributions of Muslims are recognised, valued and used in a way that brings the best benefit.
Saba Hussain - EDI Business Partner, London Ambulance Service
“I was honoured to be part of the British Muslim Network (BMN) launch, a platform dedicated to elevating diverse voices within our community. The discussions highlighted the importance of including people from all walks of life into the conversation so that their needs and wants are truly reflected in decision making and policy change. The launch successfully welcomed people from diverse communities, backgrounds and faiths and successfully gave everyone a seat at the table. The eagerness and warmth was reflected right from the beginning with people arriving and immediately asking how they could be of service. I am excited for the impact this network will have on British Muslim communities. The feeling in the room was overwhelmingly positive and demonstrated the deep desire to work together to build a more equitable future”.
Aamna Khokar - Educational Consultant and Founder, Leaf Coaching
“The launch of BMN was transformative beyond measure. The atmosphere was electric, and every word resonated with purpose. Each speech emerged as a masterclass in clarity and conviction, with speakers sharing deeply personal narratives that underscored the vital importance of community, equality, and integration. I left the event profoundly proud and empowered—a living testament to the strength of our collective spirit”
Samina Hussain - Founder, Sakoon Through Cancer
“The discussions at the BMN launch hit home. Panellists shared painful experiences, families attacked by the far right, children singled out for being Muslim. One point that stood out: in the past, many of us were targeted simply for being brown. Now, we are targeted for being Muslim. I was born and raised in this country. I always felt part of its diverse fabric, benefiting from its opportunities and support. But I can’t ignore the shift. I feel it when I walk into certain spaces, on the train, in the street, even in restaurants. The way people look at me, it’s different. It’s unsettling. And I know I’m not alone in this. BMN hopes to formalise these conversations, to make sure they don’t just stay within our communities but reach the policymakers and changemakers who can make a difference. The event brought together people from all backgrounds, Lords, grassroots activists, faith leaders. Some were skeptical, but many were hopeful. As Bishop of Bradford Toby Howarth so powerfully put it: "A divided voice shouts, whilst a collective voice is heard."
Ridwana Wallace-Laher - Director of Growth, Islamic Help
“With recent alarming statistics indicating that this is the most dangerous time to be Muslim, the launch of the BMN couldn’t be more timely. The lack of consistent engagement has meant that the government is missing critical insights into British Muslim communities, leading to uninformed policymaking and unnecessary alienation of our community. This initiative is set to be a game-changer in ensuring our voices are heard where they matter most. The launch was uplifting and hopeful. The event featured powerful speeches and panel discussions.Seeing so many allies from various faith communities attend the event was wonderful, reinforcing the importance of interfaith solidarity. As British Muslims, we not only need to strengthen our connections with one another but also our allies. At such a critical time, coming together, standing in solidarity, and ensuring our voices are both seen and heard has never been more important.This is just the beginning of many more conversations and actions to come which I very much look forward to supporting”
Hira Ali - Author and Executive Coach
"Thank you for inviting me to the launch of BMN. It was a professional, joyous, and hope-filled gathering. The energy of the people was warm and welcoming, sincere, and dedicated to service—creating a true sense of hope and harmony. I am confident this energy will translate into a positive impact for all. We at URI are ready to work with you and alongside you."
Deepak Naik, Chair, United Religions Initiative
