Guardian: Among British Muslims, I hear a range of views on the European referendum: many seem to be apathetic, some want Britain to remain in the EU and a small number, such as the newly formed “Muslims for Britain”, support Brexit. Such a range of views seems comparable to the wider public.
However, as we face one of the most significant political decisions of our lifetime, I cannot sit idly by and watch friends voting with organisations such as Ukip and Britain First on this issue. If we choose to leave the EU, generations to come will not forgive us for staying silent on issues that matter both to Muslims and wider society: on the economy, on human rights and on our place in the world.
The economy always plays a central role in decision-making – across all communities – at election time. This is no different for the European question. Our net contribution to the EU is less than 0.5% of our GDP – about £340 per household. Yet for this meagre stipend, average households receive benefits worth more than £3,000 through the 3 million UK jobs dependent on trade with the EU, lower prices for everyday goods, and increased investment in the UK from the largest trading bloc in the world.
Categories: Civil Rights, Democracy, Europe, Europe and Australia, The Muslim Times