As explained on our website page “The CMF’s approach to policy positions” the CMF does not normally take policy positions.

However occasionally we do when there is overwhelming consensus on the CMF Executive and the matter is of significant importance to British Muslims. Examples are the freedom to practice kosher and halal slaughter and an attempt to criminalise the wearing of niqab and burqa.

Another such issue is the private members Arbitration and Mediation Services (Equality) Bill [HL] 2015-16 which is due for its second reading debate on Friday 11 March. In October 2015 when the Bill was debated in the House of Lords, our President Lord Sheikh spoke against it. His speech and more background on the Bill are at this link.

Last week writing in a personal capacity CMF Chairman Mohammed Amin wrote a piece on Conservative Home “Why Baroness Cox’s ‘Shariah Law’ Bill is misconceived.”

The CMF Executive has unanimously agreed that it shares Lord Sheikh’s and Mohammed Amin’s concerns about the Bill and requests MPs to read the Bill carefully, consider Mohammed Amin’s detailed critique, and oppose the Bill.