CITIZENSHIP PROPOSALS WILL NOT RESOLVE YOUNG PEOPLE'S APATHY NOR SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS 

Published: 11/02/2008

The Ramadhan Foundation is concerned that Lord Goldsmith's proposals on citizenship will not help young people engage in communities and help resolve their many problems.  Asking children to swear an allegiance to the Queen will not make them more proud of being British or help them understand the values of the UK.

We welcome the possibility of a public holiday to celebrate Britishness; this day must celebrate the positive contributions of all people in this country regardless of faith, ethnicity or background.

Mr. Muhammad Umar, Chairman of the Foundation comments:

"Lord Goldsmith's proposals on citizenship are a mixed bag, I welcome the opportunity of a Public holiday on Britishness, and this day must celebrate the contribution of all citizens, communities, faiths and backgrounds.

The Ramadhan Foundation believes that asking children to swear an allegiance to the Queen will not help them understand the nature of this country; I believe this sort of sham ideas will alienate young people further from society.

There must be opportunities on the Britishness Day to encourage different communities to come together and celebrate being British.  We will study the proposals in detail and respond at a later date. 

Rushing to introduce allegiance to the Queen will not help children and young people engage more in society and politics."

END

Notes for editors

The Ramadhan Foundation is the UK's leading Muslim youth organisation that is working for peaceful co-existence and dialogue for all communities.  Based in Greater Manchester and working to also establish the platform for human unity amongst our communities in the UK.

For further information contact:

Mr. Mohammed Shafiq

Press Spokesman

Mohammed.shafiq@...

07814835912