The United Kingdom is now a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-faith country. For centuries Britain has welcomed immigrants from various parts of the world, and the country is stronger and better as a result of this. Many immigrants have done exceptionally well here by working hard and the country has enabled them to do so.
THE MUSLIMS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
There are over 1.8 million Muslims in the United Kingdom and Islam is the second largest religion practised in the country after Christianity. The Muslims represent about 3% of the total population. There are about 750,000 of Pakistani origin, over 250,000 of Bangladeshi extraction, Indians about 160,000, Arab and Africans over 250,000 and others about 200,000.
The total population of Muslims in London is about 800,000. The local authority statistics for the highest Muslim population are Tower Hamlets – 71,000 (36% of the population); Newham – 59,000 (24% of total population); Blackburn – 27.000 (19%); Bradford – 75,000 (16%); Waltham Forrest – 33,000 (15%); Birmingham – 140,000 (14%); Hackney – 28,000 (14%); Slough 16,000 (13%); Brent 32,000 (12%).
50% of Muslims are born in the United Kingdom and half of the total Muslim population are under the age of 27.
Although the Muslims have come from various parts of the world, there are however common issues which affect the entire Muslim population.
THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY AND THE MUSLIMS
The Conservative Party represents the entire British population irrespective of race, colour or religion. The Conservative Party does wish to ensure that the Muslim community is fully involved in our national life at all levels.
We believe the Conservative Party's values and policies reflect the values and beliefs of the Muslim community in the United Kingdom. We share a belief in enterprise, in the sense of community, the belief in the family and in the value of hard work.
A number of Muslims have been very successful in business and professions and there are in fact thousands of Muslims who are multi-millionaires. A number of young Muslims have done very well academically and in commerce as well as in professions, they are successful in their careers and have achieved some standing. Unfortunately, there are many Muslims who live in deprived areas, the unemployment rate amongst Muslims is 15%, there is general underachievement of Muslim children in school, the health of Muslims in below average and there is a lack of interaction in certain areas. Furthermore the community suffers from unfair coverage from some parts of the media and there is discrimination by some people and institutions.
