The
National Assembly Against Racism has joined the Mayor of London, Liberty,
the main Muslim and Sikh organisations, MPs, trade unionists and lawyers in
a campaign to ensure that any measures adopted by Parliament or the government
against terrorism do not exclude or criminalise people who condemn attacks
like the ones on 7 July and urge communities to work with the police to find
those responsible.
The campaign plans to lobby ministers and MPs explaining that there
is grave concern amongst the overwhelming majority of the communities whose
co-operation is essential to identify and defeat terrorists and their supporters.
A lobby of Parliament and a central London rally are planned for when Parliament
considers any proposals.
A joint statement was released today setting out the need for a ‘broad
consensus’ in the fight against terrorism and expressing concern that
parts of the Government’s anti-terror proposals may ‘risk criminalising
or excluding people who condemn terrorist attacks and whose cooperation is
indispensable to the work of the police in fighting terrorism.’
Initial signatories include the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, Director
of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti, Sir Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary General of the
Muslim Council of Britain, the Muslim Association of Britain, politicians
from the Labour, LibDem, Green and Scottish National parties, writers and
journalists, the General Secretaries of four national trade unions, representatives
of a range of community organisations and faith groups, civil liberties lawyers
and student leaders.
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: ‘I support all
measures to deal effectively with those planning, supporting or carrying out
attacks like those on 7 July. We all share the overriding priority of stopping
further terrorist attacks and bring those responsible to justice. But I oppose
measures worded so loosely that they would in the past have banned Nelson
Mandela and his supporters from Britain, and will give rise to great fear
and concern amongst communities whose support is vital to the police at this
time. And I am concerned that those in the media and elsewhere who are trying
to cynically exploit the aftermath of the bombings to witch hunt and attack
legitimate mainstream Muslims in this country on issues like the Middle East
are only helping the terrorists.’
Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, said: ‘There
is a need to re-create the consensus that existed after the 7th July attacks.
We need to focus on what unites us in the struggle against terrorism- our
fundamental values. These values are Human rights; the bedrock of our beliefs
not a convenience, a luxury or a pick and mix.’
Sir Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council
of Britain said: ‘The objective of this policy should be to protect
national security and exclude those who incite hatred or advocate violence
in the UK. At the same time, we must also take due care to ensure we adhere
to international law and do not exclude people who are supporting legitimate
liberation struggles against oppressive regimes.’
Sadiq Khan MP said: 'The coalition of the signatories to
this statement demonstrates the widespread concern with some of our government’s
response to the atrocities on the 7th July. There is a real danger that hastily
drafted legislation could end up stifling the ability of Britons to stand
up for those living under oppression abroad. Who decides if someone is a terrorist
or freedom fighter?
'The European Convention of Human Rights was drafted by British lawyers shortly
after the Second World War. It seems bizarre that we should now be talking
about abandoning Articles that cannot be derogated at time when they are most
needed. Articles 2 and 3 are ones that are absolute: The right to life and
the right not to suffer inhumane or degrading treatment.
‘It is important to have as much consultation over anti-terror measures
as possible, as this will lead to the legislation being widely accepted and
ultimately, having greater legitimacy. This statement should be seen as part
of that discussion.’
Ahmed Sheikh, President of the Muslim Association of Britain,
said: ‘Human rights must not be compromised and cannot be swept aside
in the name of counter-terrorism. Only through genuine partnership between
all sectors of our nation can we meaningfully tackle terrorism and its causes
while maintaining our moral and ethical statures. We are united to protect
our country and to uphold the freedoms and principles that characterise our
nation and lie at the heart of our democratic system.’
The statement and list of signatories HERE