PRESS RELEASE     15 November 2005

A new group calling itself Progressive British Muslims (PBM) held its launch and inaugural press briefing in Committee Room 21 of the House of Commons on 10 November 2005.

A number of MPs and peers, who crossed party lines, enthusiastically supported the launch recognising the vital role of PBM. Amongst the parliamentarians present, the government was represented by Stephen Timms MP (minister for pensions reform and MP for East Ham) and Fiona McTaggart (minister in the Home Office and MP for Slough). Additionally, peers Baroness Uddin, Lord Dholakia and Baroness Falkner and Mohammed Sarwar MP were present at the event. Messages of support were received from Lord Lester and Lord Parekh. 

Stephen Timms introduced PBM and stated the importance of diversity and cited the crucial part Britain's diversity had played in winning the Olympic bid.

Farmida Bi, a partner in a City law firm and one of the founders of the group, chaired the event and spoke about the rationale behind forming this group and said "Today marks the launch of PBM-a group that is intended to provide a voice for progressive minded British muslims who feel unrepresented by the existing faith based groups.”

Speaking at the event, Dr Shaaz Mahboob, a health strategy consultant in the NHS and one of PBM's spokesmen, explained how PBM is different from other organisations that claim to be representatives of British Muslims. He said “We feel that religion is an individual's private matter and we do not wish to impose our religious views on others. We certainly do not wish to be on a collision course with other representative Muslim groups, who we wish to work with or side by side. We do not believe in self-imposed segregation and also do not believe in an exclusive society for Muslims, instead we believe in promotion of a society inclusive of all faiths and cultures”. 

Selman Ansari, another spokesmen of the group, cited the relevance of the recent events in France to the founding of PBM and the dangers of having a segmented society, forced to harbour resentment towards others. He said “We reject notions of “host” countries and “gratitude” but demand the notions of tolerance, integration and mutual respect. Our cause is progress; Our country is Britain; Our culture is Muslim. Progressive Britain, Progressive British Muslims“.

What is PBM:

PBM is a group of London based professionals who have decided to establish a platform to provide a voice for progressive British Muslims who feel unrepresented by the existing faith-based Muslim groups. We each have a cultural identity as Muslims that is important to us. We believe there is no single definitive version of Islam and that each individual must decide how best to live his or her life.

Who do we represent:

We do not purport to represent any particular group(s) of British Muslims. We speak only for ourselves but believe, based on our personal experiences, that we reflect the views of significant numbers of Muslims in Britain.

What is our purpose?

To articulate the views of those Muslims, who consider themselves to be British, integrated into mainstream society and who have a cultural identity as Muslims, in the mainstream media who feel unrepresented by the existing faith based organisations.

What do we not do:

We will not attack or denigrate other Muslim groups although we will promote our values in a positive and vigorous manner. We will not decide what is or is not Islamic. We are not Muslim scholars and do not feel qualified (or, believe it is appropriate) to judge others.

What is our aim:

To advocate:

NOTES TO EDITORS :

1) The total British Muslim population is about 1.6 million. Muslims are amongst the most disadvantaged members of the British population. See TUC report on poverty amongst Britons of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent ( http://www.tuc.org.uk/equality/tuc-10412-f0.cfm )

2) The founders of PBM comprise doctors, lawyers, journalists, civil servants and other professionals, based in London.

3) See website- www.pbm.org.uk

For further information, please email info@pbm.org.uk