On Monday night, a vibrant gathering of Muslims formed a lengthy queue outside Liverpool’s Hilton hotel, an event that could easily have been mistaken for a nightclub. Inside, a room bathed in pink and purple fluorescent lights hosted conference attendees enjoying a buffet. Among the guests were several Labour backbenchers and imams, marking a significant moment for Equi, a Muslim think tank founded just a year ago. The event, held on the sidelines of the Labour conference, showcased Equi’s new report highlighting how Muslim-led youth initiatives save the UK £30 million annually. Despite the historical challenges Muslim civil society groups face in engaging with British governments, Equi has garnered substantial support from MPs and peers, including Afzal Khan and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. The evening’s highlight was the rumored attendance of Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, who arrived late but was warmly received by Equi’s director, Dr. Javed Khan. Streeting delivered a passionate speech addressing the marginalization of British Muslims and the threat from the far right, resonating deeply with the audience. The event also featured a surprise appearance by Shabana Mahmood, the newly appointed Home Secretary, who outlined her controversial immigration policy requiring migrants to demonstrate societal contributions and English proficiency for indefinite leave to remain. Mahmood’s vision for multiculturalism and controlled immigration aims to counter the insurgent right wing and restore national harmony. The gathering concluded with celebrations of Equi’s first anniversary, symbolizing a significant step forward for Muslim representation in British politics.
‘Fight of our lives’: Inside the Muslim Labour conference event addressed by Wes Streeting
