PRESS RELEASE     12 May 2006

PBM finds it alarming that many British Muslims are getting involved in perpetuating terrorist attacks across the world such as the Tel Aviv pair Sharif and Hanif, Shoe Bomber Richard Reid and most recently the four 7/7 terrorists. PBM think that the there is cause for serious concern since there is a perceived absence of links of the four bombers to Al Qaeda or well-organised international terrorist networks and that the incident was a result of home-grown terrorists influenced by a wide variety of political factors and anti-western feelings. 

PBM believes that the government should seek to establish contact with ordinary British Muslims more proactively and acknowledge the fact that engaging only with selected religious organisations or their affiliates will not prove fruitful in understanding the reasons behind the radicalisation of British Muslim youth. This will assist the evidently overstretched security services in deterring any potential future terrorist attacks as a result.

Dr Shaaz Mahboob, a PBM spokesman said “Since a significant proportion of those involved in recent terrorist attacks have a South Asian background where anti-western feelings are rife, we encourage British Muslims especially those with cultural and ancestral links to Pakistan and Kashmir, to become more vigilant and increase monitoring any activities within their communities that may be indoctrinating their youth towards radicalisation and extremism, both in the UK and whilst on visits abroad. Without active participation of British Muslim communities, the terrorist threat to ordinary British citizens will remain serious”.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

What is PBM:

PBM is a group of London based liberal minded Muslims 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:

1) PBM was launched on 10 November 2005 in the House of Commons to voice the views of progressive British Muslims who feel unrepresented by the existing faith based groups. The launch of the group was supported by cross party MPs and peers.

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

For further information, please email mail.pbm@gmail.com or enquiries@pbm.org.uk or contact Dr Shaaz Mahboob on (07884) 473491