Under the Arbitration Act of 1996, Muslims in the UK were empowered to resolve certain legal matters within their faith in a similar way to that already granted to Jewish Beth Din courts. These allow adherents of (mostly orthodox) Judaism to settle matters according to their religious faith without the matter entering civil law.

The initial “tribunals” were set up by lawyer Shiekh Faiz-ul-Aqtab and still operate in London, Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham and Nuneaton. Since then it is believed the number has grown to 85. Rulings can be enforced in both the County Courts and the separate courts! Initial hearings dealt with inheritance and nuisance neighbours but it is apparent the scope and influence of the courts has broadened considerably.

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Caroline Cox aka Baroness Cox, a Thatcher appointee in the parliamentary upper house; has introduced a private members bill to curb the courts, which have now gone as far as backing polygamy and discriminating against women. Cox was ostracized from the Conservative Party in 2004 for supporting a Eurosceptic position, her bill is being supported by UKIP MEP Paul Nuttall.

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