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Iain Duncan Smith insists he does not support MEND after attending its Islamophobia Awareness Month event
Ex-Tory leader says the group 'may not be the force for community cohesion as is claimed'
November 7, 2018 15:29
Ex-Tory leader says the group 'may not be the force for community cohesion as is claimed'
November 7, 2018 15:29Ex-Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith has dismissed suggestions he supports the controversial advocacy organisation MEND, after he attended an Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) event it organised in Parliament.
The ex-Work of Pensions Minister said he recognised there were ”genuine concerns” that MEND – the Muslim Engagement and Development group - “may not be the force for community cohesion as is claimed”.
MEND has been criticised by the Home Office over its opposition to the government’s anti-radicalisation programme Prevent, and partnerships with clerics and organisations who have expressed views that are antisemitic, homophobic and anti-western.
Mr Duncan Smith said he intended to discuss how MPs can be made aware of groups he said “do not promote community cohesion” with Sara Khan, the government’s Commissioner for Countering Extremism.
He issued his statement after he appeared alongside Labour’s Naz Shah, fellow Conservative MP Peter Bottomley and other parliamentarians at the launch of IAM.
It takes place in November and claims to "raise awareness about Islamophobia and discuss best ways of working together to tackle racial and religious prejudices towards minority communities.”
Dr Shazad Amin, MEND chief executive, spoke at the event and said the British public perceive Islamophobia to be a real problem in society and suggested IAM was an important initiative and platform for discussing and raising the issues that emerge.
Writing on Wednesday on his Facebook page, Mr Duncan Smith said: "I was invited to attend a Parliamentary meeting whose purpose I was informed was to help tackle racial and religious prejudices towards minority communities particularly Muslims – a cause which I am passionate.
“I was not scheduled to speak however after a very short time was asked to say a few words about the issue which I did, making the point we should never tolerate those who stoke up fear among communities of British Citizens.
“Since speaking briefly I have seen my attendance is being used to suggest I was there to support the orgainsation MEND.
“This is incorrect. I did not attend in suppport of that or any organisation.
“Furhermore I also recognise there are genuine concerns that this orgainsation may not be the force for community cohesion as is calimed.
“I note that most recently they also criticised the appointment of a female British Muslim, Sara Khan, as Britain’s first ever Commissioner for Countering Extremism, an appointment I very much welcome and which I believe will help community cohesion."
Last year, Labour MP Wes Streeting faced criticism after he spoke at the launch of the 2017 IAM event.
The JC has approached MEND for comment.
