Muslims urged to take to the polls to head off BNP

British Muslims have been urged to take the fullest part in next week's European elections – to prevent far right parties from gaining seats.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) sent an urgent letter today to all of the country's mosques, Islamic associations and institutions urging them to encourage Muslims to go to the polls on June 10.

The MCB, which is an umbrella body representing over 400 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools, also said that with Britain's relationship with Europe becoming increasingly important, it was necessary that Muslims exercise their right "wisely and diligently".

Voter participation is very important, the council said, in order not to let in the racist and far right parties simply by default which could happen if people do not vote and there is a low turnout.

Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary-General of the MCB, said: "The bid by the racist right to seek attention by focusing on anti-Muslim sentiments is a disturbing trend for the health of our democracy and there is no time to sit back and not to exercise our vote."

The MCB's letter urges Muslims to vote and make it difficult for extremists to succeed with "their divisive and menacing plans".

"The rise of Far Right parties poses a dangerous threat to our communities. Many of you will have seen the threatening and virulently anti-Muslim party political broadcast by the BNP shown on our TV screens last Friday. They make no secret of their extreme hatred of Islam and Muslims.

"Under the electoral rules, this fascist leaning party needs only five percent of the votes to win seats in the Greater London Assembly elections and around 9% of the votes to gain delegates to the European Parliament. If this happens, may God forbid, the BNP would have access to much more than just television and radio. By right, they would be given funding with which to promote their racist agenda in Britain."

The MCB has organised a televised hustings for the Muslim community with all the leading London Mayoral candidates tomorrow. No candidate has been officially endorsed by the council.

(gmcg)