Eid Mubarak!!!

At the end of Ramadhan please accept my sincere and happy wishes of Eid Mubarak on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr, the festival when Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadhan

I will have a more detailed blog soon

Happy Eid and Diwali

Very busy at work so a qucik email to wish all Hindus and Muslims a very happy and peaceful Diwali and Eid, I hope you enjoy your celebrations and rest.

We look to the future with optimism and also we recongnise that events in Azad Kashmir will have an effect on our celebrations.

I.D Cards - mass mobilisation

The Government's majority was cut to 32 when the ID card bill was voted on in the House of Commons, we have to organise mass mobilisation against this threat against our freedoms. The parliament is the only place where we can stop this, please all lobby your MPs and hold them to account, remember they will ask for your vote at the next election.

Please continue to give generously to the earthquake appeal as they are desperate for your help, remember things have not improved even though the media are not covering this issue.

On Sunday we are organising a programme in Rochdale to launch a campaign against drugs and drug dealers, its AT THE Castlemere Community Centre, Tweedale Street, Rochdale. We have a speaker from Brooklyn, New York attending along with the media

If you can come, please try

Speaking at PCS Union Seminar

Yesterday I spoke at the PCS Union black workers seminar in Nottingham, it was a moving event, we talked about make poverty history, racism and the BNP

Pakistan Earthquake

Can I first of all pay my deepest condolences to the victims and their families of the earthquake that has rocked India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The most chilling feeling is that the majority of the victims are children, my heart goes out to people.

Can I urge all to give generously, I have been amazed by the British people's generous giving once again, we are a very compassionate country.

speak soon

Charles Kennedy MP at Rochdale Infirmary 2005

 

This is the Liberal democrat Campaign team awaiting Charles Kennedy's arrival in Rochdale

 

Labour's censorship of free speech

Yesterday during Jack Straw's speech a 82 year old man heckled him, he was dragged by Labour Party stewards towards the exit and thrown out, a person who tried standing up for him was also ejected. The 82 yearold man called Wilfred was charged under the Terrorism Act, how inhuman and undemocratic, it does not mean that over the Iraq issue you try to stop debate.

The country needs to accept that the Labour Conference is very stage managed and they do not allow any dissenting voices to be heard. It is a sad indignity of the labour party that this goes on, despite the leadership apologising, it still goes on.

The Labour party should be ashamed of its self.

Last night's programme on the role of god in politics was very good, I thought I performed well under the spotlight and from the intial feedback I think I did well. Thank you for all your kind words over the past few months.

Urgent WATCH BBC 2 TONIGHT @ 7PM 28/09/05

I will be on BBC Two tonight 28/09/2005 at 7pm, the programme is about God and the Politicians.

God and the Politicians
Wed 28 Sep, 7:00 pm - 7:50 pm 50mins
David Aaronovitch investigates fears that religion has staked too great a claim on the political agenda. Are politicians pandering to faith groups? Are the faithful muscling in on the politicians' patch? Should abortion be a party political issue? Is there such a thing as the Muslim vote? Combining modern political analysis with three thousand years of theology, this programme assesses whether ancient faiths and modern politics are a match made in Heaven, or destined to clash. Alistair Campbell stopped a journalist asking the Prime Minister about faith with the words, 'We don't do God'. But more and more politicians are doing God, and more major faiths are happy to see religion back on the public agenda. Faith leaders Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the Chief Rabbi, the Bishop of Southwark, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Muslim leader Sir Iqbal Sacranie argue the place of religion in politics along with Tony Benn, Ann Widdecombe MP, Home Office Minister Paul Goggins MP, MORI pollster Sir Robert Worcester and philosopher Professor AC Grayling. Has God entered the ballot box? This programme tries to find out. [S]Let me have your comments

Muslim Unity Convention 2005 Press Conference

 

Muslim Unity Convention Press Conference

 

Muslim Unity Convention 2005  

This is me addressing the world press at the recent Muslim Unity Convention held at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, UK on August 7th.
I am joined on the panel from left to right by Dr Jamal Badawi, Shaykh Muhammad bin Yahya Al Ninowy, Sidi Muhammad Umar, Dr Zakir Naik, Shaykh Abdullah Hakeem Quick.  

Blair's speech

I have been listening to Tony Blair's speech at the Labour conference in Brighton. I have to say it was the most pathetic nonsense I have heard him make at a conference. He attacked the Lib Dems on various issues - I realised that he attacked us because he realises the threat we pose. Remember you cannot defeat terrorism without protecting civil liberties and the great value of justice.

Labour seem to have fallen into the trap of clamping down on freedom to protect security. I am proud to be a member of the Liberal Democrats who will not compromise on Civil Liberties and freedom. This still means we have to deal with the menace of terrorism and defeat this by re affirming opur rights and values.

what are your views, let me know

Lib Dem Conference debrief

I have to say as a first time delegate to the Lib Dem conference in Blackpool i made a huge impact. I lost count of the media interviews I did, i spoke at the Conference three times. The best performance was at the Ethnic Minority Parliamentary candidates motion, this motion was defeated but according to all my performance was excellent.

Charles Kennedy's speech was the best he has ever done, well done.

Thank you to Simon Hughes, the party president who as always is great!!! Thank you to the Manchester teams, Paul Rowen MP, Rochdale and Rob from BBC Worldwide your company and help on my final speech was great and we can stand proud of the impaact we all made.

Speak soon to all

Lib Dem Conference debrief

I have to say as a first time delegate to the Lib Dem conference in Blackpool i made a huge impact. I lost count of the media interviews I did, i spoke at the Conference three times. The best performance was at the Ethnic Minority Parliamentary candidates motion, this motion was defeated but according to all my performance was excellent.

Charles Kennedy's speech was the best he has ever done, well done.

Thank you to Simon Hughes, the party president who as always is great!!! Thank you to the Manchester teams, Paul Rowen MP, Rochdale and Rob from BBC Worldwide your company and help on my final speech was great and we can stand proud of the impaact we all made.

Speak soon to all

Conference update

It has been a very interesting conference, yesterday I had meetings with Charles Kennedy MP, Simon Hughes MP, and a host of Lib Dem spokesman. The Lib Dem today have announced that they will oppose the government on two key parts of the anti terror legislation. Mark Oaten MP the Lib Dem Shadow Home Secretary used my statement about the 7/7 bombers being british and that is why the attack on Asylum seekers and foreigners will fail.

Yesterday I went to the Indian Ambassador's reception and really enjoyed my chat with the High Commisioner.

speak soon

Making Impact at the Lib Dem Conference

As you know this is the first of many blogs live from the Lib Dem Conference happening in Blackpool. I have today done two interviews with Sky News and BBC News on Trevor Phillips comments on multi Culturalism, I have to say it is not a failure and we are living in a multi faith and multi cultural society, it is succeeding and will continue to succeed.

Secondly there will be a motion on Ethnic Minority Parliamentary candidate selection, I am please to say there is a motion to have at least one Ethnic Minority candidate in the selection process.

I have had meetings with Charles Kennedy MP, Paul Rowen MP, Paul Holmes MP, Nick Clegg MP, John Thourso MP, Tom Brady MP, Mark Oaten MP, David Laws MP, Gender Taskforce. I am hoping to have further meetings with MPs and seniotr party officials throughout today.

Speak soon

Blackpool is a serious opportunity to change

The Lib Dem Conference is an opportunity for the party to celebrate it's successes but importantly set the ground rules for the path ahead. Under Charles Kennedy's leadership the party has gone from strength to strength, what happened over Iraq and the position we took was from a principled basis and we have been proven right.

i will report soon on the conference, comments welcomed as always

When will the Jewish community reach out?

I invited the Jewish community representatives to the recent Muslim Unity Convention, they attended and listened to the speeches of some outspoken guests like Yvonne Ridley. She made a blistering attack on Israel and the Government's policy of oppresion towards Palestinian people. They in returned said that we the Ramadhan Foundation used the Jeiwsh representatives to launch an attack on Jews, this is far from the truth.

Whilst I do not subscribe to some of her views I believe she is right in highlighting the oppression that is carried out in the name of fighting terrorism and extremism, for example how can making 100s of innoncent people homeless due to the fact that a sucide bomber was from their house or block be fighting terrorism.

Israel and it's supporters need to recognise that if you wish to attack all those that criticise Israeli policy as Anti Jew is counter productive and will enable those that try to divide us more successful.

Let's wake up to the oppresion that is carried out in the Middle East, not just by Israel but also Arab countries that have a horrendous Human Rights Policy. Why is the world not speaking out against this oppresion.

I recently had to write to the Jewish Telegraph who launched an attack on me and the Ramadhan Foundation for allowing Yvonne Ridley to make her comments, I mean where is the Freedom of speech in this case, she never advocates violence.

I support the right of people to have freedom of speech, let those in the Jewish Community campaigning to restrict this great British Value proceed with caution.

End of Summer

As we are coming to end of the summer I think it is important for us to pause and reflect on the events of the past few weeks. Muslims in the UK have demonstrated great strength and resilence to the attacks on our community. We in the UK will prevail overt these acts and we need to look to the future.

We need to protect our civil liberties as these were gained over 100s of years,

comments are welcomed

speak soon

Unity Convention a success

Hi All

The Muslim Unity Convention 2005 in Manchester was a great Success. There was over 2500 people there and the event was covered by over 70 different media organisations in the world. I am grateful for all the help and support we received from all the public. We have demonstrated to the world that the Muslims in the UK are peace loving and compassionate people.

I think it is important to clear any misconception about my comments at the Press Conference on Sunday, I did not say ban the BNP. I said if the Government was considering banning Hizb ul Tahrir that did not incite violence here in the UK then you need 't to consider this group.

To all those who called us extremists and terrorists, we have proven you wrong. It is time you all apologise to me and the Ramadhan Foundation.

Sepeak soon

Unity Convention 2005

ME ON THE WORLD MEDIA!!!!

I have just spent the past two weeks doing various interviews with the world media about the Muslim Unity Convention 2005 which is being held in Manchester on Sunday. I think it is clear that the events of the past few weeks have put a challenge in front us as a nation. The event will attract the worlds renowed Muslim Scholars and they will set out in detail how we as a community need to face the challenges of the future.

In my BBC News 24 interview I talked about dialogue, this is very important. Unless all communities engage with each other and talk to one another we will still have mistrust and anger. I condemn what happened in London not as a Muslim but as a Human being, we in the Muslim community do not need to be apologetic for the actions of four mindless mass murderers.

We do however need to look into our community and root out this problem. The Government attempts to engage with the community will fail as they are meeting the wrong people. If the community leaders and Imams had the confidence of young people we would not be in a situation where they were committing mass murder. We need to take responsibility for our community but the Government needs to take responsibility for the lack of investment in BME communities, high poverty and unemployment - these need to be dealt with also.

Watch the Islam Channel on Sky 836 on Monday 8th August 2005 for coverage of the Convention.

Please send your comment to me directly.

Fahd dies

The death of King Fahd is a moment to reflect on the past 25 years of mierule of the Saudis, no human rights or freedom

Must have this now

Muslim Unity Convention - Sold Out

Just to let you all know that the Muslim Unity Convention has sold out, please note there will be no entry to non ticket holders. There will be tight security on the day so no ticket no entry!!!

Thank you to all those who wrote in about the meda storm about Shaykh Yusuf Al Qadawi coming to the event, the Shaykh was an invited but not CONFIRMED guest, he has now pulled out of the event due to the media storm.

This is the first event of its kind in western Europe and if you do not have a ticket you can catch it on the ISLAM Channel on Sky channel 836 the day after (8-8-05)

Please let me have your thoughts and views about the dreadful events of the past two weeks.

Sir Edward Heath Dies

I am shocked and saddened by the death just announced of Sir Edward Heath, he was a great leader who will be remembered for his principalled stance on Europe and was a very independent person.

He was charming and very honest when I met him and very witty, I will remember him with fond memories.

Suppose the Tories will be glad he is gone!!

Speak soon

London under attack

As we all reflect on the events of last week, I think it is important to remember that the majority of the Muslims are law abiding and peaceful people, our religion has been overtaken by a group of fanatics who have no lnk with Islam

We will prevail over evil and see a more better world.

Tony Blair should be praised for his strong leadership and the way he has conducted himself after the attacks.

speak soon

a very sad day in London

What happened in London on Thursday was barbaric and beyond doubt an attack on all civilised people, there were Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus and people with no belief affected, we condemn those who carried out the attacks. Whoever carried out the events need to be caught and brought to justice.

I send my deepest condolences to all those victims and their families, I hope you can take strength from the country unitying to defeat this evil.

We will be discussing how to tackle this issue on August 7th at the very first Muslim Unity Convention being held in Manchester, Check out the website for tckets and further info:

www.ramadhanfoundation.com

speak soon

London 2012 wins!!!!!!

it has just been announced that London will host the Olymic Games in 2012. They were chosen ahead of Paris, it is delighful and i an very happy that this has happened.

Congratulations to all the bid team and my fellow citizens in the UK, I m very proud to be British this afternoon.

speak soon

Turkey's EU membership

Turkey is not to be welcomed into the EU as its a Muslim country, poor and also the leaders think its a Christian club. We need to welcome muslim nations like Turkey, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo to the EU to encourage cooperation and good relations between all.

the no votes in the referrendum were a vote against the EU leadership, Chirac, Schroder etc not enlargement, you cannot have enlargement and then exclude counturies just because opiniion polls suggest this.

Let the talks begin on entry for turkey, let's celebrate this!!!

I welcome Tony Blair's stance at the recent EU summit, he did the british cause well and i know the country welcomes this, he is absouletely right that we need to have a debate on finance and this needs to include CAP and french subsides

speak soon

Conservative leadership election

The conservatives are going through the custom of a leadership battle, bloodletting, backroom deals, we always talk about democracy and how good it is, well the tories want to take the power away from members and return it to MPs. How absurd is this!! the Conservatives need to realise that the members are the key to returning to power, but i have to confess that i enjoy watching this regular event just to see them so consumed with hatred for each other, if the tories had any sense four years ago they should have elected Ken Clarke.
speak soon

hey!!!

there will be a by election in Cheadle soon, can anyone who wishes to help please get in touch with me by emailing me on shafiqjcp@yahoo.co.uk

I am confident that we will retain the seat.

speak soon
Mohammed

hi from rainy Bolton

hi all

i think we won't get a summer this year!!! Just to let you know that the Muslim unity convention that we are organising in August will be going ahead on the 7th, from 10am - 6pm at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. It is the first kind of event in the UK with Muslim Scholars from all over the world, check out the website for further information:

www.ramadhanfoundation.com

or ring me on ++447814 835912

Speak soon

it's Sunday

Hi all

I am trying hard to put down my thoughts on the news, yesterday we had the G8 Finance Ministers in London as they agreed to write off debt for poor countries in Africa. Whilst this is welcomed we need to go further in ensuring that the international community gives more, not as charity but because of common humanity.

The European Constitution is dead, so let it rest in peace, we need to see a more honest debate on Europe, it must be on honest facts rather than lies.

Speak soon

hello form sunny Sheffield

I have often felt the need to write my blog down but never have enough hours in the day to do this. I am currently in Sheffield attending a Review event, I'm on a Management Development Programme in my workplace and we are facilatating the event. Work is great at the moment, i really feel i am going somewhere, i'll let you know when I get there!!!

The Liberal Democratic team is Westminister is very good at present, we have some real talent and I look forward to their contribution in the coming months and years ahead.

I must offer my deepest condolences to Patsy Calton MP's family on the news of her death. I campaigned in Cheadle many times for her and I know she is a great loss to Cheadle, the Lib Dems and her family. I hope her family can take courage from her hard work in Cheadle and I know I will miss her. Her thoughts and vision will live on for many years to come. Her children should be very proud of her achievements.

speak soon

hey

i am please that Rochdale elected the Lib Dem candidate Paul Rowen as MP a the recent election. Labour have failed to deliver and Rochdale is once again Liberal. My congratulations to Paul and thank you to all the voters who voted for us, to those who did not Paul will serve you all to the best of his ability.

speak soon

testing whether this works!!

hi all

testing whether this email posting works!!!

not long to go

hi, it's 8 days to go, very excited by the election, MPac a muslim lobby group have distributed a leaflet in Rochdale asking Muslims not to vote for Lorna Fitzsimmons, the Labour MP who voted in favour of the illegal war in Iraq, she has recently refused to apologise for misleading her consituents. I think its time for her to go now. even her own consitutency party asked her to vote against her war and she still defied them.

MPAC were wrong to bring in the fact she is a friend of Israel, however We should be proud to call ourselves friends and supporters of the Palaestian cause. If you condemn or attack Israeli aggression this does not make you antii jew, MPAC are to be congratulated on their work for Muslims awareness to the power they have in marginal seats.

had a baby daughter on Saturday!!! Sleepless nights

speak soon

election fever!!!

hi all

its finally the election, the prime minister called it for 5th may, the country faces a stark choice between a return to the past, 18 years of conservative government, a racist party that is obsessed with immigration, were Bush's cheer leaders in the campaign to use military action in Iraq, they have the blood of muslims on their hands, or Labour who started the war on a false pretence, WMD - none found, no apology from labour for misleading the British public.

We can vote for the Liberal Democrats, a party that opposed the war, use your vote on 5th may for the Liberal Democrats, a part that stands for Justice, equality and honesty, something labour have failed to deliver.

speak soon

This is me at the Department for Work and Pensions Conference in London in April 2004 

hi all

I am really sorry that i have not put a recent blog down. my operation went well and i am now back at work. started a new job in Bolton, got rid of an over obsessive manager!!!

have been recently appointed as the Director of Corporate Events for the new Muslim Charity called the Ramadhan Foundation.

For further info please see www.mohammedshafiq.org.uk

this week i am in glasgow for the Scottish Parliament Talent into Diversity Conference and n London from Tuesday through to Thursday for a course and several meetings with work.

speak soon.

hello, long time!!

hi there, sorry not been in touch for some time, i have been in hospital for ann operation. don't worry everything is well and i am feeling much better.

I am back to work on 14-02-05 and will report soon on my progress at work and the exciting developments for a Muslim Unity Convention in Manchester on Easter Sunday this year

long time

hi all

sorry unabl to write a blog for some time as i have been in hospital for a routine operation. will have a detailed blog soon.