Newham Concern Press Release on Mega Mosque

Newham Concern Press Release on Mega Mosque:

Islamic fundamentalist sect "refuse to integrate".

They promote "cultural isolationism" and a "male-only closed society" at Olympic mega-mosque site

Lack of community benefit cited during barristers'

Closing Submissions at Planning Inquiry

Rejection of British values, the lack of any female participation and a refusal to integrate with other local communities are key issues for the Planning Inspector to consider, according to lawyers for Newham Concern, the campaign group opposing plans for a mega-mosque  at West Ham, close to the site of the new 2012 London Olympic stadium.

The lawyers were speaking this morning during the final session of a major Public Inquiry into an appeal by fundamentalist sect Tablighi Jamaat against a Newham Council order that they should vacate the site and stop using it for a temporary mosque.

During the Inquiry Newham Concern had called expert Muslim witnesses Dr Taj Hargey of the Muslim Educational Council of Oxford and Ms Tehmina Kazi of British Muslims for Secular Democracy to highlight the supremacist, separatist and sexist belief system that underpins Tablighi Jamaat.

"The Planning Inspector's decision will be taken on technical planning grounds of course," said Alan Craig, campaign director of Newham Concern and former Leader of the Christian Peoples Alliance opposition group on Newham Council. "But the nature and teachings of Tablighi Jamaat indicate why they have such a divisive and socially harmful effect on the wider east London community, and the Inspector is obliged to consider this adverse community impact too.

"Furthermore, after 14 years on this large site Tablighi Jamaat still deliberately offer nothing for Muslim women and children," said Alan Craig. "There will be little loss if they are moved off the site, apart from for a limited male-only band of Muslims whose prayer needs can be met anyway at other east London mosques."

The Planning Inspector has indicated he will announce his decision on the Appeal in May.

(ENDS)

Queries: Alan Craig, Newham Concern: 07939 547198