UK FACES ‘BRAIN DRAIN’ OF TALENTED MUSLIMS AMID RISING ISLAMOPHOBIA, WARNS KING’S ADVISER

Sun 18 August 2024:

Britain is experiencing a “brain drain” of talented middle-class Muslims due to rising Islamophobia, according to Harris Bokhari, a key adviser to the King on race relations. In a report by The Times on Friday, Bokhari highlighted growing concerns within the Muslim community following recent riots and attacks on mosques, leading many to feel unsafe and unwelcome in the country.

Bokhari, who has advised both the royal family and government, revealed that he and his family have considered leaving the country, despite his deep love for Britain. He noted that many skilled professionals, including doctors and healthcare workers, have already left or are considering leaving.

The charity Tell Mama, which tracks anti-Muslim hate, reported 500 incidents, including death threats and vandalism targeting mosques and Islamic centres. Iman Atta, Tell Mama’s director, warned that the idea of leaving Britain is no longer a “fringe thought” among Muslims.

Excl: I spoke to Harris Bokhari, chair of the @NCS, about riots, Andrew Tate & young people (incl young Muslim boys), & feeling unsafe in Britain.

Plus: @tellmamauk & @faithmattersuk founder Fiyaz Mughal tells me he’s leaving UK over racism fears. https://t.co/jJvXeJFRb8

— Geri Scott (@Geri_E_L_Scott) August 16, 2024

Fiyaz Mughal, co-founder of Tell Mama, is among those leaving Britain. Mughal, who has fought against both Islamist extremism and far-right hate, said he feels “pervasive” fear within Muslim communities and plans to move to Europe.

Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s former first minister, and Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, have also voiced concerns. Earlier this month Yousaf questioned his family’s future in the UK. Reflecting on the race riots, he said “It’s felt utterly horrendous… I don’t know whether the future for me and my wife and my three children is going to be here in Scotland, the United Kingdom, or indeed in Europe and the West.”

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Bokhari also expressed worry about young people being drawn into far-right ideologies and stressed the need for initiatives like the National Citizen Service to promote social cohesion and counteract hate.

-MEMO

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