By Ashraf Nehal
The Labour Muslim Network hosted an Iftar in London. The event, marking the breaking of the daily Ramadan fast, brought together prominent Labour parliamentarians and community leaders in a spirit of unity and reflection on the critical issues facing British Muslims today.
The prestigious gathering was attended by several distinguished guests including Rushanara Ali MP, Abtisam Mohamed MP, Dr. Zubir Ahmed MP, Rosena Allin-Khan MP, and Hamish Nicholas Falconer, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Also in attendance was Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, representing City Hall, along with Hajira Piranie, member of Labour’s National Constitutional Committee.
As the evening call to prayer echoed through the elegantly decorated arches of the restaurant, guests broke their fast with traditional dates and water, followed by a sumptuous meal. The atmosphere was one of warmth and community, with tables arranged to encourage conversation between parliamentarians and community members. In her powerful address, Rushanara Ali MP emphasised the critical importance of Muslims making sound political choices and ensuring their voices align with power.
“Without power, progress could be halted,” Ali stated firmly. “It is essential that Muslim communities actively engage in the political process to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed at the highest levels of government.”
The theme of political representation was echoed by several speakers, who highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing community requirements, with particular emphasis on combating hate crimes. The discussion reflected Labour’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Muslim communities across Britain and respond to their specific concerns.
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, shared personal reflections on his journey since assuming office.
In a touching moment, he spoke about his recently performed Umrah pilgrimage, connecting his spiritual experiences with his public service ethos. “My faith informs my work, and my recent pilgrimage has only deepened my commitment to serving all Londoners with compassion and integrity,” Coban remarked.
A notable contribution came from Hajira Piranie, member of Labour’s National Constitutional Committee, who offered a perspective on inclusion within the party structure. “Irrespective of what political course is taken, voices like mine have always been heard,” Piranie stated. “We as Muslims need to nurture this political dialogue among us.” Her words highlighted the importance of maintaining open channels of communication within both the party and the broader Muslim community.
The chair of the Labour Muslim Network, Ali Milani, delivered what many considered the most powerful statement of the evening. In a passionate address, Milani asserted the network’s dedication to both Labour and Muslim interests while making it clear there would be no compromise on the Gaza issue.
“The network will persist with its advocacy on Gaza,” Milani said, drawing strong applause from attendees. His words underscored the organisation’s commitment to balancing party loyalty with principled positions on international issues of concern to Muslim communities.
Between the formal speeches, guests engaged in discussions ranging from local constituency matters to broader policy issues affecting Muslim communities. The intimate setting of EV Restaurant’s arched space created an atmosphere conducive to meaningful conversation, with its warm lighting and traditional décor enhancing the sense of community.
Community leaders expressed appreciation for the parliamentarians’ participation, noting that such direct interaction helps ensure Muslim voices are integrated into policy considerations. Several attendees commented on the significance of having high-profile Labour representatives join in breaking the fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Labour Muslim Network also used the occasion to highlight several initiatives aimed at increasing Muslim political participation and addressing specific policy concerns relevant to the community. The emphasis on hate crime prevention reflected growing concerns about Islamophobia in parts of the country and the need for robust governmental response.
