Work led through the Community Exchange Hub is helping challenge simplistic assumptions about how British Muslims participate in democratic life.
Research highlighted by Adam Foundation shows a politically engaged and diverse electorate whose priorities span the NHS, housing, the economy, education, local services, foreign policy and many of the same issues affecting families across the country. The findings reinforce an important point: British Muslims do not behave as a single political bloc.
The findings were also covered by The Guardian, which reported on the research and its conclusion that British Muslims are politically engaged but do not vote as a single bloc. Read the full article here: Muslims in Britain are politically engaged, but they do not vote as a bloc.
That conclusion also reflects the Foundation’s experience on the ground. Ahead of the last General Election, six cross-party hustings were held in Muslim-majority communities around the country, bringing MPs and candidates from across the political spectrum into direct conversation with local audiences.
The events demonstrated strong political engagement, with communities questioning candidates directly about local and national priorities and contributing actively to democratic debate.
The Community Exchange Hub builds on existing civic and political engagement by creating more opportunities for communities, institutions and decision-makers to exchange ideas and participate directly in democratic life.
For Adam Foundation, stronger democracy depends on active participation, constructive dialogue and citizens contributing confidently to the decisions and institutions that shape public life.
