Muslim Parliament

   The 150-strong Muslim Parliament was established in London in 1992 by the late Islamic campaigner Dr Kalim Siddiqui (1933–96). Prior to its establishment, a statement of its aims appeared in the Observer (5 January 1991): ‘This parliament must defend and promote the Muslim interest in Britain.’ Dr Siddiqui’s attempt to create an effective Islamic voice in Britain failed, mainly due to the fact that he bypassed the British Islamic establishment when setting up his parliament; hence he could not call on the network of local mosques to create interest in his cause. Also founded in 1989, the Islamic Party for Britain aims to represent British Muslims and to lobby for pro-Islamic legislation. Membership is over 1,000, and the Party contested five seats at the 1992 general election.

   See also: black Conservatives; Islam; Labour Party black sections; Nation of Islam

   EUGENE LANGE