Dozens of British Muslim organisations have issued a joint declaration in response to recent islamophobic riots, calling on the government to engage with the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). This announcement follows revelations that the government had not responded to communications from the MCB during the unrest.

The declaration, issued by the Islamophobia Action Group, was signed by 80 organisations, including the Muslim Engagement and Development Initiative and the Muslim Association of Britain. It emphasized the need for the government to engage directly with democratically elected representatives of Muslim communities.

Dr Anas Altikriti, CEO of the Cordoba Foundation, stated that previous governments had adopted a narrow approach to dialogue, which undermines societal relations. He urged recognition of the MCB as a legitimate representative organization, emphasizing the diversity of Muslim opinions.

The declaration also called for the Labour government to adopt the All Party Parliamentary Group's definition of Islamophobia and to conduct an independent review into far-right activities, particularly regarding the role of media in perpetuating hate.