25 June 2021
Our ref: D/Min(Lords)/AG MC2021/05690e
Dear Mohamed
Thank you for your letter dated 24 May 2021, on behalf of the National Muslim War Memorial Trust, regarding the initiative for a specific memorial dedicated to Muslim members of the Armed Forces.
As a nation we owe a great deal to all those who serve or have served in the British Armed Forces, and it is only right that they are held in the highest esteem by the people and Government of the United Kingdom.
I support the comments you eloquently made during the debate on The Queen’s Speech on 19 May 2021 regarding due recognition for those Muslims who fought for our country during both World Wars. The significant and vital contribution should rightly be in the public consciousness and your proposed education programme should appropriately do that.
The Ministry of Defence is appreciative of your efforts, and indeed those from the wider public; such actions ensure that the bravery and sacrifice through the ages of our Muslim Service personnel remains a prominent part of our history. We are proud that the honourable tradition of Muslims serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces continues today.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support on this laudable initiative and wish you and your Trustees my very best wishes in your efforts to pay tribute to those Muslims who have served our country. You have my full support and consent to publish my response on your website.
BARONESS GOLDIE DL
The Lord Sheikh
House of Lords
London
SW1A 0PW