I have spent many years working to build understanding, trust, and solidarity between our faith communities across the country. I have been welcomed into the homes of Christian, Sikh, Humanist and Jewish friends. We have shared countless meals, laughed together at life’s absurdities, and cried together in moments of grief. As the former Chair ofContinue reading “Speaking Truth to Power: The Silencing of Palestinian Solidarity in the UK”
Author Archives: Hifsa Haroon-Iqbal OBE DL MPhil
An Open Letter to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Dear Prime Minister Re: Your “Island of Strangers” Speech – A Shameful, Xenophobic Betrayal I have given this considerable thought before deciding to share this publicly. Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of engaging with a remarkable group of South Asian women, discussing political issues and the importance of ensuring thatContinue reading “An Open Letter to the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer”
Belonging in Modern Britain
Earlier today, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Margins to Centre Conference 2025 at the University of York. The conference seeks to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and this year the conference explored the theme of Belonging. Here’s the text of my keynote: =.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=.=. In The Tale of Despereaux, Kate DiCamillo writesContinue reading “Belonging in Modern Britain”
Ramadan Reflections: When Breaking Fast Has Felt Like Breaking Hearts
This Ramadan, the author reflects on the stark contrast between personal celebration and the suffering in Palestine. Rather than sharing Iftar moments, they mourn the loss of innocents amid devastation and highlight the resilience of those enduring hardship. Calls for justice against ongoing violence emphasize the need for global awareness and action.
Misunderstanding Islam: A Response to Inflammatory Rhetoric in The Catholic Herald
The Catholic Herald is a London-based Roman Catholic monthly magazine, established in 1888. It claims to have approximately 565,000 online readers per month, with printed copies distributed across the UK, the US, and the Vatican. It was not a publication I was familiar with until today. The article by Gavin Ashenden, published in The CatholicContinue reading “Misunderstanding Islam: A Response to Inflammatory Rhetoric in The Catholic Herald”
Preventing Future Tragedies: Rethinking UK’s Counter-Extremism Policies
Contrary to the statement used by our Prime Minister, the face of terrorism has not changed, but fortunately the government has. I hope our new leadership will rise to the challenge and take all forms of extremism seriously.
Unity and Hope: A Vision for 2025
As I reflect on 2024, it was a year I had envisioned unfolding very differently, particularly in the political arena. In January 2022, I made the significant decision to leave full-time employment to focus on the goal of being selected as a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) for the Labour Party in the next general election.Continue reading “Unity and Hope: A Vision for 2025”
Ethical & Religious Concerns of Assisted Dying Legislation: Why We Must Tread Carefully
“The experience of sitting with a fatally ill baby girl did not convince me of the case for assisted dying; it convinced me of the value and imperative of good end-of-life care.” (Gordon Brown) The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will have its second reading in Parliament tomorrow, 29th November. This proposed legislationContinue reading “Ethical & Religious Concerns of Assisted Dying Legislation: Why We Must Tread Carefully”
Exploring Interfaith Unity at the Abrahamic Family House
This year, I’ve been fortunate to journey to some truly remarkable places. I’ve marvelled at the timeless pyramids of Giza and prayed Salat-ul-Jummah in the awe-inspiring Sultan Hassan Mosque in Cairo. The vibrant, sapphire-blue waters of Rabat, framed by rugged cliffs and golden sands, were as enchanting as the tagines we savoured each evening. InContinue reading “Exploring Interfaith Unity at the Abrahamic Family House”
Preventing Radicalisation and Hate Crimes: Strategies for Educators and Communities
Children across the country have finally return to school after the six-week summer break and parents have breathed a sigh of relief. Many young people will bring with them cherished memories of family vacations, trips to theme parks, and days at the beach. However for Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, theContinue reading “Preventing Radicalisation and Hate Crimes: Strategies for Educators and Communities”
Soulful Spaces 