British Muslim Network faces backlash amid allegations of division and external influence
British Muslim Network is a new body aiming to challenge the leadership of the Muslim Council of Britain
LONDON (MNTV) – A Middle East Eye (MEE) exclusive has revealed that the British Muslim Network (BMN), a new body aiming to challenge the leadership of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), is grappling with a crisis of credibility and dwindling support.
Set to officially launch on February 25, the BMN has lost significant backing, including financial support and endorsements from Muslim MPs, according to MEE sources. Many MPs have privately declined invitations to the event, citing concerns over the network’s legitimacy and intentions.
According to MEE, the BMN is closely tied to the Together Coalition, a charity co-founded by disgraced former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Brendan Cox, a controversial figure in Labour’s community engagement efforts.
The Together Coalition’s steering group, chaired by Welby until his resignation last year, includes figures like Julie Siddiqi and Lord Richard Dannatt, who are reportedly involved in BMN’s creation.
Welby stepped down following a damning report exposing the Church of England’s mishandling of abuse cases. Brendan Cox, meanwhile, resigned from two charities in 2018 after allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies.
Allegations of division and external control
Labour insiders told MEE that the BMN has sown division within the Muslim community, labeling groups as “good Muslims” or “bad Muslims” based on their alignment with government policies. Critics have accused the project of being driven by Islamophobic motives, citing the heavy involvement of non-Muslim figures and organisations.
“There is outrage over attempts to divide the Muslim community under the guise of engagement,” one Labour source told MEE. “The involvement of external actors in such projects reeks of Islamophobia.”
The BMN’s narrative echoes the government’s historic refusal to engage with the MCB, Britain’s largest umbrella body representing over 500 affiliated organisations. The MCB has been excluded from dialogue with consecutive governments despite its long-standing role in serving and representing British Muslims.
Controversial figures and policies
Brendan Cox’s influence over Labour’s faith engagement strategy has raised eyebrows, especially given his public support for the Prevent programme, which has faced widespread criticism for disproportionately targeting Muslim communities. Cox has defended Prevent, dismissing accusations of bias as “ideological exploitation.”
In December 2023, Cox also organised a vigil aiming to “bridge divisions” over the Gaza conflict, drawing criticism for equating the suffering of Palestinians under occupation with the experiences of Israelis.
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, a supporter of the BMN, has also faced scrutiny for her dual role. While she remains involved with the new network, she recently criticised the government’s refusal to engage with the MCB at its annual dinner, stating, “How dare we be told who can represent us?”
A divided launch
As the BMN’s launch approaches, its future remains uncertain. Despite the challenges, a spokesperson for the Muslim Council of Britain welcomed “all genuine efforts to serve British Muslim communities,” reaffirming its commitment to grassroots work and democratic representation.
This unfolding situation, as reported by Middle East Eye, underscores the growing tension over representation, engagement, and the external influences shaping Britain’s Muslim community.
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