On Tuesday 11 November 2014, CMF President Lord Sheikh, supported by CMF Executive member Hashim Bhatti, hosted the inaugural 3FF ParliaMentors Alumni Awards ceremony in the House of Lords. The Awards were given to celebrate the achievements and successes of former students since their graduation from the ParliaMentors programme. The ceremony was interspersed with inspiring speeches from Lord Sheikh, Jon Yates of The Challenge Network, and Prem Goyal of the All Peoples Party.

The event was attended by several members of the House of Commons: Lilian Greenwood MP, Fabian Hamilton MP, Hilary Benn MP, Alok Sharma MP and Sir Peter Bottomley MP. Congratulations to all the winners!

Lord Sheikh speaking is pictured below:

Below is a group photo:

The recent conflict in Gaza has reminded all of us how essential it is to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. The question facing ordinary citizens in Israel, Palestine and Britain is what can we do to help achieve peace?

OneVoice is a grassroots, civil society organisation that empowers Israelis and Palestinians to pressure their elected representatives towards a two state solution. The movement operates in both Israel and Palestine, and mobilises the moderate majority to demand accountability, an end to the occupation, and a two-state solution from their leaders.

On 20 October 2014 Lord Sheikh hosted an an event in the House of Lords for OneVoice, which was also supported by the Conservative Muslim Forum. It had an outstanding array of speakers and CMF Secretary Faruk Miah acted as the Master of Ceremonies.

Lord Sheikh began by introducing the event, covering his long-standing support for OneVoice, and the work he has done both here and in the Middle East to assist the cause of peace. Lord Sheikh made a very powerful opening speech which is reproduced below after the list of speakers and before the photographs.

John Lyndon who is the Executive Director of OneVoice Europe gave an overview of the organisation and its work. John’s background is that he was awarded a B.A. in History and English Literature from University College Dublin, and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Sheffield, with his studies focusing on the Middle East.

Tal Harris  who  was the Executive Director of OneVoice Israel for four years shared a perspective from Israel. Tal joined the organisation in 2007, quickly taking a leading role that saw the establishment of OneVoice’s Tel Aviv University chapter. He became a full time staff member in 2009, organising 30 town hall meetings across Israel. He was promoted to head the movement in Israel a year later, where his many accomplishments include expanding the Youth Leadership Program in partnership with the National Union of Israeli Students. Further to his work with OneVoice, Tal has been leading several nation-wide media campaigns, and co-conceiving of the first-ever Caucus for the Two-State Solution in the Knesset (now the Caucus for Ending the Israeli-Arab Conflict) which engages 43 Members of Knesset of several factions. Tal has recently been elected to be a member of the Steering Committee for the Israeli Peace NGOs. Tal was born in Kibbutz Negba and raised in Raanana, and holds a Master’s in Diplomacy from Tel Aviv University and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy and Politics from the Open University.

Ezzeldeen Masri who is the Executive Director of OneVoice Gaza explained why he supports OneVoice. Born in Gaza City in 1971, Ezzeldeen has experienced three major military confrontations since Israel pulled out of Gaza in 2005, yet he continues to lead the only organisation that supports a two-state solution in the territory. Ezzeldeen completed his Bachelor’s in Political Science and Criminology in the spring of 1997 from Northeastern Illinois University. In the fall of 2000, he completed his Master’s in International Relations, with specialization in conflict resolution. In November 2006, he opened OneVoice Palestine-Gaza office and was appointed as the Executive Director. Recently Ezzeldeen was profiled in the New York Times, at this link, which illustrated the challenging work he undertakes as one of Gaza’s few public and unapologetic advocates for two-states.

We also had some extra speakers whom Lord Sheikh had invited to attend and who shared their thoughts on the conflict.

• Sir Vincent Fean KCVO who is a senior retired British Diplomat was British Consul General in Jerusalem 2010-14.
• Lord Stone of Blackheath
• Lord Hylton
• Gavin Barwell, MP for Croydon Central

After the speakers, Lord Sheikh chaired a question and answer session before CMF Chairman Mohammed Amin gave a vote of thanks.

Lord Sheikh’s opening remarks are reproduced below with his permission.

Sir Vincent Fean, Ladies and gentlemen. Good Evening, Shalom, Assalaamu Alaikum.

I would like to welcome you all to this meeting in the majestic surrounding of the House of Lords.

When I was asked to host this event by OneVoice I said that I will be pleased to do so. I first heard of OneVoice at a meeting organised by Baroness Hayman who was at that time speaker of House of Lords. Subsequently Jake Hayman came to see me and provided me with further details of the movement.

About 18 months ago there was a debate in the House of Lords on civil society in Palestine and I referred to the work undertaken by One Voice. I also referred to OneVoice during a recent speech I made at an International Conference in Tunisia.

OneVoice is an international grassroots organisation with offices in Tel Aviv, Gaza and Ramallah. It also has presence in London and New York. OneVoice gets people involved in conflict resolution and empower them to make representation to the political leaders. It is firmly of the opinion that the Israeli and Palestinians can achieve peace if they believe in it and play a role in its achievement.

Their objective is to achieve a two state solution and to undertake this peacefully by linking the civil society with the politicians and community leaders.

You will of course hear more of the activities and the objectives of OneVoice from the speakers who will follow me.

I would first like to talk about Gaza where there now has been a ceasefire. I appreciate that Hamas did launch rockets into Israel but the response of Israel has been totally disproportionate.

Israel has inflicted collective punishment on the people of Gaza and destroyed or damaged the infrastructure, homes, factories, power station and other buildings. There were nearly 2,200 people in Gaza were killed including over 500 children. Over 12,000 people in Gaza were injured and thousands people have been made homeless.

On the Israeli side 66 Israeli soldiers and 5 Israeli civilians were killed and over 700 Israeli soldiers and civilian were injured.

I am taking a group of Doctors to Gaza in about two weeks’ time and I will then see for myself the misery and destruction which has been caused by the Israelis. I will prepare a report which will be submitted to the relevant interested organisations and individuals.

After the previous Israeli invasion in 2012 I did visit Gaza and assisted in taking four conveys of humanitarian aid.

I also visited Israel and West Bank and in this regard I wanted to talk to the Israeli officials and the Arabs in order that I can see the problems from both sides. I spent nearly a day with the Israelis officials. I visited Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus and Bethlehem and met a number of people.

I also visited an Arab village and a settlement which was occupied by the Israelis. When I saw the settlement I did notice the Israelis control the use of the land and water resources.

I also saw the wall which is located within the West Bank partly along the Green line between the West Bank and Israel. The wall severely restricts the Palestinians livelihood and restricts the freedom of their movements.

There are frequent check points and road blocks which makes life very difficult for the Palestinians.

Israel has just taken over nearly 1,000 acres of land around the settlements of Etzion near Bethlehem. I feel that it is a very bad and ill-judged decision as we are all trying to find a peaceful solution.  We would strongly urge the Israelis not to proceed with the development of this area. I think that we all agree that building of settlements have been illegal and should not have taken place.

My findings were that the attitude of the settlers towards the Arabs was arrogant to say the least but they are belligerent and cause harassment and intimidate the Arabs.

During my visit I saw Arabs protesting near the wall which the Israeli have created and the Israeli were throwing a liquid at them which smelled of human waste. This is an example of total humiliation and contempt shown by the Israelis.

We went to a court where young Arab boys were being prosecuted for alleged throwing of stones. I saw boys aged 9 to 12 years brought to court in chains and the proceedings were undertaken in Hebrew.

In regard to settlements in different parts I saw that these were linked by roads which were only used by the settlers and no Arabs were allowed to use them.

Ladies and Gentlemen I have described is what I have witnessed and are my own findings. These are not hearsay and are totally factual.

I am very glad that last week the House of Commons held a debate on whether or not United Kingdom should recognise the statehood of Palestine. I was very pleased that Members of House of Commons voted by 274 votes against 12 votes to agrees and endorse the motion.

The British Government must take heed of what was decided in House of Commons and hope that our government will now recognise Palestine as a state as soon as possible.

Sweden has recently agreed to recognise Palestine as a State.

135 out of 193 UN members have recognised Palestine. If there is recognition by United Kingdom there is a very good chance that other European countries will do the same.

The conflict in Palestine is the root cause of dissatisfaction and frustration in the Middle East and in fact in the whole world.

The European Union including United Kingdom did agree some years ago that Palestinians do have a right to self-determination but this has not been achieved.

We do appreciate the formation of a new technocratic government for the Occupied Palestinian Territories and it must show that it abides by the quartet principles.

The West Bank and Gaza must be united under one government and be committed to peace. All the Arabs must unite and speak with one voice. Conflict between the Arabs will not achieve peace.

It is of course imperative that the Prime Minister and the government of Israel must show a commitment to enter into a serious dialogue and be much more conciliatory.

It must avoid all actions to aggravate the situation.

To achieve peace Hamas must accept the quartet principles and join the efforts for peace.

The Palestinian authority must show leadership and commitment to a dialogue with Israel and make progress on governess and security for Palestinians in Gaza as well as West Bank.

Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security and it is essential that all the Arabs and Muslim states do recognise the state of Israel which was set out in Saudi Arabia’s 2002 Arab peace initiative.

Hamas and all the Palestinians must recognise Israel.

There must be creation of two states based on 1967 lines and there needs to be land swaps.

Israel must give up terrorises in pursuit of peace.

All restrictions of Gaza and West Bank will of course be removed and their security and the security of Israel should be guaranteed.

There a few issues which would need negotiations and these are as follows.

• The future of Jerusalem needs to be decided. The probable answer is that it be a shared capital of both states.
• The security and future of 600,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank need to be looked into.
• Similarly we need to look at the right of return of the Palestinians who have been expelled from their land.

In arriving at a settlement, United States should play the role of an honest broker and have an even handed approach for the settlement of peace. Double standards will not work and will create further disharmony.

In an effort to approach a peace settlement I think Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt can play a positive role.

Turkey is a very much an upcoming power and its involvement would be desirable.

The quartet and our own country also have an important role to play.
I feel that we have a moral responsibility as we had a mandate in Palestine.

We were a party to signing the Sykes Picot agreement.

We were also responsible for the issue of Balfour declaration.

Finally I would like to say that I hope we can achieve peace in the Holy land during my lifetime.

Thank you

In the picture below, from the left are:

1. Tal Harris
2. John Lyndon
3. Lord Sheikh
4. Faruk Miah
5. Ezzeldeen Masri
6. Mohammed Amin
7. Sir Vincent Fean
8. Lord Hylton can be seen in the second picture below on its right edge.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Conservative Muslim Forum had a stand in the Party Zone at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham from 28 September 2014 to 1 October 2014.

This stand requires a significant commitment by the CMF, both in the cost of the stand and even more so in the time of the volunteers who keep the stand manned and ready to deal with visitors. However it is very worthwhile as it allows the CMF to share its knowledge and expertise with the many visitors who come to the stand.

The picture below has Mary Macleod, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, with Ash Zaman, CMF Deputy Chairman, and Mrs Tahara Amin. The red box of chocolates significantly adds to the pulling power of the CMF stand and has been a tradition every year! Below it is the poster for our fringe meeting; this was the first time that the CMF has had both a stand and a fringe meeting.

During the four days we had a number of senior government ministers visit the stand, as well as MPs and candidates who were keen to learn how we could help them win re-election or election (as appropriate) in the May 2015 General Election.

We would like to thank the many individuals who generously gave their time to help on the stand, including (in alphabetical order):

• Ahmedur Rahman, CMF Executive Member
• Ash Zaman, CMF Deputy Chairman
• Dan Watkins, Prospective MP for Tooting
• Dr Alam Ara Khan, CMF Executive Member
• Dr Ghulam Abbas, CMF Yorkshire & Humber
• Faruk Miah, CMF Secretary
• Hashim Bhatti, CMF Executive Member
• Itrat Ali, Chairman CMF Yorkshire & Humber
• Jeanne-Marie Douglas, CMF Executive Member
• Mohammed Amin, CMF Chairman
• Raja Allah Ditta, CMF Yorkshire & Humber
• Tahara Amin, CMF Chairman’s Wife
• Timothy Aspin, London School of Economics

Special thanks are due to Shaheen Mahmood, the CMF’s Executive Secretary, who made all the arrangements for the stand but was not able to attend as she was performing the Pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj.

This year the Conservative Muslim Forum organised both a stand at the Party Conference in Birmingham and a fringe meeting with the title “Winning Muslim Votes.” With the May 2015 General Election forecast to be very close, every vote will matter, and there are a significant number of Parliamentary constituencies where Muslims exceed 10% of the total electorate.

The fringe meeting was practically focused, with all four speakers being MPs or Prospective MPs who are out campaigning regularly to appeal to voters from all parts of the electorate. We had four speakers, listed alphabetically:

• Afzal Amin, Prospective MP for Dudley North
• Hannah David, Prospective MP for Harrow West
• Mary Macleod, MP for Brentford and Isleworth
• Resham Kotecha, Prospective MP for Dulwich and West Norwood

The event was chaired by Mohammed Amin, CMF Chairman with several members of the CMF helping to usher meeting attendees, take pictures etc. The room was full, which is a great achievement at 1930 on a Tuesday evening at the Conference with many competing events running in parallel. Many MPs and candidates, and their campaign teams, came to hear the practical insights of the speakers.

The pressure of competing events was such that the meeting chairman agreed that the speakers could alternate in leaving the room for short periods to visit a nearby reception, and this was achieved smoothly without interrupting the flow of the meeting. There were a number of questions from the floor.

The photograph below was taken while Afzal Amin was out of the room! It shows Resham Kotecha speaking, with Mary Macleod next to her, and then Hannah David to Mary Macleod’s left. The meeting chairman, Mohammed Amin, is on Resham’s right seated away from the table mostly obscured by an attendee!

Our Prime Minister the Rt Hon David Cameron MP has issued the following message to Muslims in Britain to mark Eid al-Adha.

We are very pleased to share it.

“I want to send my best wishes to Muslims in Britain and around the world observing Eid al-Adha. This festival of sacrifice is a chance for us to come together and to reflect upon those less fortunate, especially those forced to make sacrifices themselves.

I think of all the Muslims who have come to Britain over the years – from the Indian subcontinent to the Balkans, from the Arab world to Africa, from Turkey to Kurdistan, and people from all parts of Asia – sacrificing so many things to build up Britain’s businesses, run our public services and strengthen our society. Their children and grandchildren – British Muslims in our country today – help to make Britain the success story it is today.

As we mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War, I think particularly of the sacrifices hundreds of thousands of Muslims made to fight alongside the Allies. The freedom for which they fought – for which so many gave their lives – is the freedom we all enjoy today.

Above all, I think of all those around the world being forced to sacrifice everything in order just to stay alive. The displaced in Iraq, the beleaguered in Syria, the wounded in Gaza, the exposed in Eastern Europe – these people are giving up all they have to protect their families.

People here in Britain are giving what they can to help those in need – especially British Muslims, who are the most giving faith community in this country. This Eid, we will be thinking of those at the mercy of these conflicts and come together to pray for peace.

So once again, wherever you are spending Eid, let me wish you and your family my very best wishes. Eid Mubarak.”

With only a few days left before the Scottish Referendum, the CMF supported a rally in Trafalgar Square to promote the message that we don’t want Scotland to leave the Union. It was promoted on Twitter with the hashtag #letsstaytogethergettogether

Amongst the CMF members attending were CMF Chairman Mohammed Amin, CMF Deputy Chairman Ash Zaman, CMF Secretary Faruk Miah and CMF Executive members Fuad Hamzeh and Ajantha Tennakoon. Some of them are pictured below, as is Bob Geldof who made a passionate speech.

We encourage all of our members and supporters t register on the website https://www.letsstaytogether.org.uk/ their personal desire for Scotland to stay in the Union.

Below: Mohammed Amin

Ash Zaman

Fuad Hamzeh and Faruk Miah

Bob Geldof

On Wednesday 30 July the Conservative Muslim Forum organised a  gathering of Buddhists and Muslims for dialogue about concerns regarding recent events in some parts of Sri Lanka.

People from all walks of life around the country, including Sri Lankans from all communities, Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and also their British friends and well-wishers heard from  a distinguished panel of speakers hosted by Lord Sheikh, President of the Conservative Muslim Forum.

The initiator of this event Mrs Ajantha Tennakoon, an Executive member of the Conservative Muslim Forum conducted the meeting, welcoming everyone and spelling out the aims and objectives of the meeting. “The whole purpose of the meeting is to highlight the long history of harmonious relations between Muslims and Buddhists that has existed for centuries and also the religious commitment to justice, peace and humanity shared by both religions” she said. She dedicated this event to her late parents especially her father (Mr. Lional Sarath Edirisinghe) from whom she learnt how to serve the people, how to respect every religion and race and how to face injustice in a non violent, calm manner.

Lord Sheikh is a long standing friend of Sri Lanka and has visited the country many times. He has been impressed by the achievement of peace in the country and is a great supporter of both communities. He said “Muslims who have been contributing to social, political and economic life of the country from 7th century onwards have always been and continue to be friends of all communities and the recent developments are therefore unfortunate and unnecessary.” Lord Sheikh commended all of the peace building efforts of the Sri Lankan government and hoped that Sri Lanka will prosper with all its richness of diversity.

Dr Chris Nonis, the Sri Lanka High Commissioner in London gave a lengthy analysis of post war Sri Lanka and said he is yet to meet a single communally minded Sri Lankan. He attributed the recent unrest to misunderstandings and hoped that we could soon make up for all the lost trust and continue as members of a united Sri Lanka. He said that, situated between the East and the West, however small, the island is one whose potential to be one of the leading nations of Asia must not be underestimated.

Dr Desmond Biddulph the president of the Buddhist Society said that Buddhists must set an example by following the peaceful teachings of the Buddha and learning to co-exist with all communities. The Buddhist society is committed to supporting all communities in the spirit of friendship and brotherhood.

Mr Ahmed Zimar Sivardeen, President/Chairman of the British Sri Lanka Association reflected on the long standing friendship between Buddhists and Muslims and said it is unfortunate to see that it has been affected in recent times but it is never too late to rebuild it.

Dr Sunil Kariyakarawana Buddhist Chaplain to British Armed Forces said people of faith should be able to reconcile any differences they have. Both Buddhists and Muslims are strongly committed their respective faiths and reflect on the great teachings of both religions. When we genuinely value and appreciate each other’s friendship we can learn to respect each other and overcome any hurdles. Buddhists have been admiring the contributions that the Muslim community makes in different spheres of Sri Lankan life and Muslims have always valued their Sri Lankan identity and friendship with Buddhists. The best singers of Buddhist vocals are a devout Muslim father and son duo: Mohedeen and Ishaq Beg. They are admired by all Buddhists who flock to listen to them. So we must learn to talk from heart to heart than from intellect to intellect. The only way to respond to extremism in any society is to strengthen the relations between peace-loving moderate Buddhists and Muslims. Most atrocities in the world are happening today not because of a small minority of people who perpetrate them but because a vast majority of moderates silently endure them he said.

Mr. Amal Abeywardene of Conservative Friends of Sri Lanka also emphasised the need to strengthen relations between moderate forces and Conservative forums like this could facilitate that dialogue.

A very active Q&A session was followed by vote of thanks from Mrs Ajantha Tennakoon who thanked all the speakers and all participants for their support by attending this successful event. She also thanked her colleagues in the CMF, particularly Lady Sheikh and CMF Executive Secretary, Shaheen Mahmood for their tireless engagement in organising the event.

The event was closed after prayers by Imam Ali Omarm the Muslim Chaplain from the UK Ministry of Defence, and Seth Pirith chanting by the Most Venerable Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thero, Director General Sri Lankan Buddhist TV and the Abbott of the Plaistow Sri Sambodhi Buddhist Meditation Centre.

Below is a group photograph of the speakers.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show has been staged annually by the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, and now has a permanent site Llanelwedd near Builth.

It brings together urban and rural Wales with many activities throughout each of the four days of the event. That makes it an ideal place to recruit Conservatives!

On 22 July 2014, CMFExecutive Member Altaf Hussain spent the day at the Welsh Conservative Party stand at the Royal Welsh Show meeting and speaking to visitors, handing out literature and offering complimentary beverages. He was putting into practice the CMF philosophy that we are an integral part of the Conservative Party, supporting it wherever we can, not just at CMF events.

He is pictured below at the left of the photo looking very dapper in his straw hat!

This year around the world, nations, communities and individuals of all ages are coming together to mark, commemorate and remember the lives of those who lived, fought and died in the First World War. The First World War claimed the lives of over 16 million people, involved over 100 countries from Africa, America, Asia, Australia and Europe. It had an impact on the lives of everyone in every town and village in our country. One hundred years later, we are all connected to the First World War, either through our own family history or because of the way it changed the history of our communities.

On 16 July 2014 CMF Executive Member Altaf Hussain took part in an event to commemorate and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the Bridgend County Borough’s war heroes with the unveiling of a tribute to them in Aberkenfig. Bridgend County Borough’s Mayor Gary Thomas and Janice Gregory, AM for Ogmore, were both present for the official unveiling of the mosaics, along Councillor Huw David, Cabinet Member for Children, Councillor Altaf Hussain, Councillor, D Baker, Councillor A Clough and many young people. In the group photo below, Altaf Hussain is on the right hand side amongst the ladies.

Three colourful mosaics, sponsored by Newcastle Higher Community Council, designed by local school children, under the guidance of artist Justine Stroud, of Primary Colours, have been installed in the village square to mark the centenary of the First World War. They are shown below being unveiled.

The main reason behind making the mosaic was to mark the 100 year centenary of WW1, using one number for each mosaic. Three schools took part and each school had one number out of 100. Each mosaic has a border, to represent the UK and the British flag and children’s designs suiting the images expressed in the poem Flanders Field by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, inspired by his service during the 2nd Battle of Ypres. Each mosaic is based upon one paragraph of this poem which surrounds the number.

(Highlighted words – images used in the design)

Tondu Primary School 1

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

The word WORLD is included on the left hand side not only saying world war one over the three mosaics but also is relevant because of the three flags behind the soldier from around the world, the British flag central, the French flag on the right and the Russia flag on the left(this design was used until during WW1, now changed).  Russia and France were allies with Britain during WW1.  The mosaic has poppies, a cross, a bird and a gun to correspond with the wording from the poem.

Pen Y Fai Church In Wales School 0

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

A man stands with a tear at a grave, the sun is setting and a heart is on the cross corresponding with the wording above from the poem.  The word WAR is used on the left hand side, the scene shows sorrow and conflict caused by war.

St Robert’s Catholic Primary School 0

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

The word ONE is used on the left hand side, the scene shows victory and peace, one can also mean united as one or one people.  The RAF WW1 symbol is used in the sky to depict the brave soldiers who fought in the war. A soldier is holding up a torch to denote victory, and poppies to represent the fallen soldiers as well as a English rose, a Scottish thistle, a Welsh daffodil and a Irish clover is pictured on the bottom of the mosaic to represent people of all areas in the UK.  These images again correspond with the wording from the poem above.

Lord Sheikh’s letter of 7 July 2014 gives the background to his relinquishing the chairmanship of the CMF. He formally communicated this to the Executive of the CMF at its meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2014. That meeting appointed him as President of the CMF and appointed Mohammed Amin as CMF Chairman and Ash Zaman as CMF Deputy Chairman.

Mohammed Amin paid tribute to Lord Sheikh at the meeting in his speech which is reproduced below.

Speech by Mohammed Amin at CMF Executive 25 June 2014

I would like to say a few words about Lord Sheikh.

Most of us will be familiar with Lord Sheikh’s life story. He was born in Kenya and grew up in Uganda. It was a successful and highly educated family. Indeed his father was a businessman who founded the educational system for Indians in Uganda, while his brother-in-law was the headteacher of a school. However as you know the Ugandan Asians were expelled and Lord Sheikh came to the UK with nothing.

Despite that he worked his way up in the insurance business and eventually became the chairman and main shareholder of a large insurance broker, Camberford Law plc.

In 2005 he was very active in supporting the Conservative Party’s general election campaign and in 2006 Michael Howard elevated him to the House of Lords as the Conservative Party’s first Muslim peer. He founded the Conservative Muslim Forum.

However I have to confess that I had never heard of him and missed that news. It was only in June 2006 that my friend Nash Jaffer first introduced me to Lord Sheikh. As I had been a member of the Conservative Party since 1983, I was delighted to learn about the CMF and have been supporting Lord Sheikh ever since.

I could talk forever about Lord Sheikh’s personal qualities. However I will limit myself to four things.

1. He is exceptionally generous. Earlier today I had a look at the Electoral Commission website which provides public information on reportable political donations. There is a list of Lord Sheikh’s donations to the CMF from 2008 to 2014. I will not embarrass him by quoting the total amount. Each of you can check the website for yourself if you wish to know it. Furthermore, I know that Lord Sheikh donates to many charities through the Sheikh Abdullah charitable foundation which he set up in the name of his late father.
2. Lord Sheikh is an outstanding leader. He shows this by the way he copes with disagreement. For example, I often disagree with him. We discuss it and agree a way forward. However Lord Sheikh has a principle that if a member of his team really strongly wants to do something, Lord Sheikh is almost always willing to back them, even when he disagrees. I see that as a sign of real leadership.
3. Lord Sheikh listens. Whenever we have a major issue at the CMF, I have seen Lord Sheikh going round the table to ensure that every member of the Executive has the opportunity to say what they think.
4. Lord Sheikh is a team player. When you look at his letters to the Prime Minister or to the Party Chairman, he always makes a point of praising the efforts of his team and naming the key people involved.

Lord Sheikh will be a very difficult act to follow. All I can do is promise to do my best. In particular I will always remember that I am accountable to you, the Executive, who have just given me the responsibility of leading our team.

Thank you.