By Zahra Latif

My Perspective on the General Elections

The General Elections on Thursday the 6th of May 2010 had one of the highest voter turnouts in many years. With more than 44 million people turning out to vote, albeit many left disappointed as they were unable to vote, it is clear in their continued political engagement that many British people still have some faith left in politics. Maybe it was the global recession, the MP expenses scandals, the wars abroad or even the popularity of Obama in America that generated great interest in British politics again. Whatever it was, people were getting excited about voting again and even the televised political debates achieved huge viewer ratings.

By H M Zaheer

Why should we consider international development as an issue when voting in the 2010 General Election?

In a world of evolving social media, 24-7 news and unlimited communications, politicians are realising the importance of Generation Next.  This varied group of young people may not know it, but they make up a considerable size of the population and will play a decisive role in electing our next government.  The mainstream parties are aware of their importance and are actively seeking their electoral support, as this influential demographic contains British politics’ future movers and shakers.  For many young people, 2010 will be the first time that they will vote in a General Election.  They will consider an array of issues that will influence their ultimate choice at the polls.  The economy, education and health may be the first or only things that young people will consider when voting.  But there is one issue often than not that is neglected – international development.  Such is its neglect, even by the mainstream media, that the BBC doesn’t even list it under a separate tab for the parties and issues page of its online election coverage.  Must it be considered as a stand-alone topic? Or should it be relegated as a non-primary matter?  This article will briefly examine the aims of international development and the three main parties’ stances on it.

By Farhat Amin

What will be the outcome of 2010?

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain that government priorities will change, public spending will be cut and bonuses will be given for failure. Sounds like business as usual.

Cynicism is not the answer, far from it. Times will be tough, that much is guaranteed but challenges can always be met face on. What is the point of this blog, some may be asking. Well the answer is that regardless of how disillusioned we become as individuals it is still important to be proactive and not reactive. It is easy to point fingers, but unless we do not take a stance, things will not change.

By H M Zaheer

Optimism is the first step to changing Britain by 2020

The pessimists among us say Britain is heading towards economic and political decline, in the wake of the credit crunch that brought our financial system to its knees and the growing threat of the far right in recent elections. Nowadays there is a big difference between what people would prefer to see happen in the next ten years and what they feel might actually happen. But unless we are optimistic about the future, we cannot start building a better one. Our hopes are what will make the difference. Here are my hopes for where I want Britain to be by 2020.

By Nabil Ahmed

I was fortunate enough not long ago to be invited to join a bunch of cool Muslim students out on camp who were socially and spiritually nourishing themselves off Snowdonia’s peaks and crisp air.  The pleasant young gentlemen (I consider myself a ripe student-elder) could cook well, hike and even (when asked) give an excellent rendition of the Maori Haka.  But take a look at the bigger picture and they represent an exciting future for Britain, presenting a trailer for the decade ahead.  They are united, diverse religiously, culturally, socially and politically, they were able to discuss how universal concepts of justice actually are, and between them you could formulate more than a patchwork of social reform.

By H M Zaheer

Why should British Muslims bother with wider society and the political system?

In a post 9/11 world, it is fairly easy for British Muslims to feel more polarised and ostracised from wider society.  Such a mindset is not surprising, especially with the heightened levels of stereotyping and shocking hate crimes that have been committed against Muslims.  Does this consequently mean that it is correct for British Muslims to instantaneously react by being more insular and inward to the on-goings around them? 

By Mohammed Amin

At first sight the question sounds trivial. Who would choose to be powerless? Many though have no choice but to remain politically powerless. Around the world, millions live under dictatorships where power is jealously guarded by the few. Any attempt to produce change can result in imprisonment or death.

In contrast, we live in one of the freest societies on Earth, where power is dispersed and readily available to those who seek it.

By Basmah Saqib

I’m out with my flag
strapped to my backpack
and I’m staring
again at the Houses that have given up caring
When is my voice gonna be heard?
When will my government learn that
We’re cursed?
Sitting on a moral debt

By Mousa Baraka

I was eighteen years old and had recently finished my A-Levels. The tragic events of  7/7 had just happened. I was angry. Why would these people do this to their fellow citizens? What sort of belief motivated them? It certainly wasn’t mine or any of the Muslims I knew. But it suddenly dawned on me; there was nobody I could tell. I was born and had lived my whole life in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and yet I didn’t have relationships with anyone that was not like me in some way. I had no non-Muslim friends.

By Malieha Malik

Can Muslims be accomodated into Britain- ten years and beyond?

Muslims are not the first religious and cultural minority to seek accommodation within the category ‘British’. There has always been cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity in Britain. The official public accommodation of this diversity within the definition of the nation has depended on different forces: the social and political power of the group that is seeking accommodation; the relationship between the domestic and the international context; as well as access to socio-economic wealth.