MUSLIM COUNCIL OF BRITAIN APPOINTS A LEGAL AFFAIRS TASK GROUP

Launched in November 1997, the Muslim Council of Britain, at its first Central Working Committee meeting on 28th March, appointed, amongst others, a Legal Affairs Task Group. The Group will look into the need for establishing and structuring the projected work of a full Subcommittee on Legal Affairs. The Subcommittee, if and when it is ultimately approved by the Central Working Committee (CWC), will tackle legal issues that concern the Muslim community. Mr. Mahmud Al Rashid, Chair of the Association of Muslim Lawyers (AML), is to present a preliminary report on the matter on behalf of the Task Group at the CWC's next meeting in June.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is possibly the most broad-based initiative yet that is seeking to bring together if not all then at least the most significant forces active in the British Muslim community. The Council already enjoys the support and membership of over 250 national organisations and specialised institutions and is inundated with inquiries and interest from a whole range of other organisations.

The Islamic Foundation and the Association of Muslim Lawyers are both members of the MCB. The latest initiative by the MCB's Central Working Committee, to consider the possibility of a full Subcommittee on Legal Affairs, is especially welcomed by the Legal Studies Unit (LSU) of The Islamic Foundation. A legal-political mouthpiece and voice, in addition to the LSU's academic work and the invaluable support and services provided to law students and legal practitioners by AML, can only help the Muslim community to better represent its needs and interests.