MP speaks at Muslim conference
Hamilton West MP Margaret Ferrier has called for communities to work together to fight radicalisation and extremism.
She was speaking at an annual conference in Alton which brought together global members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Addressing a crowd of over 30,000 at the UK’S 50th Jalsa Salana, Ms Ferrier said it is“absolutely vital that those of us fighting against extremism stand united”.
She also recognised the“fantastic work being undertaken in Muslim communities up and down the UK to tackle the scourge of radicalisation”. The MP also called for the rejection of all forms of racism, sectarianism and religious hatred, citing the murder of Glasgow shopkeeper Asad Shah, who was a well-respected member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Ms Ferrier recently tabled a parliamentary motion calling for action on violence against Ahmadi Muslims in Asia.
Ms Ferrier said:“it was a real honour to be invited to speak at the conference as a dignitary. Having worked closely with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for the past year now, I see in practice how their message of love for all, hatred for none is carried across their work in communities up and down the UK.
“It is absolutely vital that those of us fighting against extremism stand united. There is fantastic work being undertaken in Muslim communities up and down the UK to tackle the scourge of radicalisation, which must not be underestimated as a crucial piece of a broader security jigsaw.
“The brutal murder of Asad Shah was a reminder that sectarianism and religious hatred isn’t restricted to any one faith. People are still shocked by this appalling crime, and communities must come together to reject persecution where it exists.”