The Labour Government renewed relations with the Muslin Council of Britain (MCB) last week.  It was, in effect, a Government u-turn although surrender might also be an appropriate word.  What is the issue?

Back in 2009 the then communities secretary, Hazel Blears MP suspended relations with the MCB due to the decision of the deputy secretary-general of the organisation, Daud Abdullah, to sign the ‘Istanbul Declaration’.  The ‘Istanbul Declaration’ threatens those who would impede the work of Hamas against Israel.  When the declaration was signed by Mr Abdullah the Labour Government stated that the declaration “called for attacks on foreign warships, potentially including the Royal Navy, and also advocates violence against Jewish people and their supporters around the world”.   

On this basis Hazel Blears suspended relations with the MCB as reported by the Guardian.  She re-stated the difficulties caused by Mr Abdullah signature on the decleration in a letter to the Guardian which confirmed the position.  In short there would be no governmental interaction with the MCB whilst Mr Abdullah’s signature remained on the Istanbul Declaration. 

A year later and there has been no move by the MCB or Mr Abdullah to remove his name from the declaration and yet the Labour Government have decided to re-engage with the MCB.  In other words, John Denham, the new Communities Secretary, has performed an u-turn without receiving in return any assurances in relation to the support expressed by Mr Abdullah for violent direct action against the state of Israel, Jews and others.  A year ago this declaration was said by the government to embrace British service personnel – what has changed?

Call me a cynic but is this decision driven by the Labour Party looking for votes?  None of the issues deemed by Hazel Blears and legal advisors acting on behalf of HMG to be serious enough to warrant an ending of Governmental contact with the MCB have been addressed but the ban has been lifted.  So much for the Labour Party and their claim to be tough on those who advocate violence against British Service personnel and ordinary people in all parts of the world.   

Guto