UK MUSLIMS NEGLECTED BY POLITICAL PARTIES: EX-OFFICIAL

London, 23 Rabi’ul Awwal 1436/14 January 2015 (MINA)–   A former UK minister says all political parties have neglected the country’s Muslim population, warning that “antagonistic” language about immigration could make swathes of voters feel “unwanted.”

Alan Duncan, who served as a Tory international development ministers from 2010 to July 2014, made the remarks while speaking at an event hosted by charity Islamic Relief in central London, the Huffington Post reported on Tuesday, press TV quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Duncan added that the political parties must pay more attention to the Muslim population, ahead of the May general elections.

“To some extent, all parties have either taken them for granted, patronised them, or paid insufficient attention of any sort,” said Duncan, adding, “Within the UK we as politicians should pay proper and serious attention to our Muslim population and do all we can to prevent their alienation.”

Duncan spoke of Prime Minister David Cameron’s move further to the political right on immigration in a bid to combat rising popularity of the ring-wing UK Independence Party (UKIP), calling the Tories’ tactical shift a mistake.

“The loose use of the language of immigration creates the danger of making all those of different origin feel like they are unwanted citizens,” said Duncan.

Over the past years, the UKIP has been gaining popularity across England among Britons disaffected by mainstream party politics, particularly on closer integration with Europe and immigration.

The eurosceptic party has mostly won support from voters who have backed the Conservative Party.

The UKIP plans to reduce the inflow of immigration to the country and wants Britain to exit from the European Union. (T/P010/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)