Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Inter Faith Network Closure

22 February 2024 · 12 other contributors

Opened by Felicity Buchan Con Crawley

Religion & Faith

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Felicity Buchan raised concerns about inter faith network closure in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister of State, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Felicity Buchan, thanked the right hon. Member for raising the issue of the Inter Faith Network.
  • The Government supports inter-faith dialogue but is withdrawing funding from the Inter Faith Network (IFN) for 2023-24 due to a trustee appointment by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).
  • Successive Governments have maintained a policy of non-engagement with the MCB.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Felicity Buchan

The Minister of State, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Felicity Buchan, thanked the right hon. Member for raising the issue of the Inter Faith Network. She stated that the Government supports inter-faith dialogue but is withdrawing funding from the Inter Faith Network (IFN) for 2023-24 due to a trustee appointment by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). The Minister emphasised that successive Governments have maintained a policy of non-engagement with the MCB. Despite considering the IFN's representations, she concluded it was necessary to maintain this policy and avoid compromising its effectiveness. She highlighted the Department’s support for sustainable funding arrangements rather than relying on taxpayer money. The potential closure of the organisation is deemed an issue for the IFN as a charity.

Other contributors (12)
  • Stephen Timms Lab East Ham

    Question

    Since 1987, the Inter Faith Network has been the UK’s principal vehicle for inter-faith dialogue and received Government funding. Why was it treated unfairly? Last July, the network was promised funding but that promise has never been honoured. Given recent events, shutting down this organisation is counterproductive.

    Minister reply

    The Minister believes in inter-faith work but cannot fund the IFN when a trustee is part of the MCB. The Government have always been clear about developing alternative sources of funding.

  • Theresa Villiers

    Question

    My constituent Esmond Rosen expressed concern last year about the imminent withdrawal of funding from the Inter Faith Network. It’s regrettable that we’re in this position now despite a promise made earlier. Surely, we can find some compromise to keep the IFN operational?

    Minister reply

    The decision to withdraw funding was influenced by an MCB member being appointed as a trustee in November. The Department supports other initiatives like Near Neighbours and Strengthening Faith Institutions that organise local inter-faith events.

  • Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett

    Question

    When was the decision to withdraw funding made? What impact assessment was conducted, and what discussions were held about fostering understanding between different faith groups? When did the IFN receive notification of this decision?

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State wrote to the Inter Faith Network on 19 January saying he was ‘minded to withdraw’ funding due to an MCB member trustee appointment. The Department invited representations, received them on 22 January and confirmed the withdrawal on 21 February.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    Given the decision to withdraw funding from the Inter Faith Network, what will take its place? Minority religions are concerned that they won’t have a voice.

    Minister reply

    The Department continues to fund partners like Near Neighbours and Strengthening Faith Institutions to promote inter-faith work and community cohesion.

  • Holly Lynch Lab Halifax

    Question

    Expresses concern about the decision to withdraw funding from the Inter Faith Network and questions whether the Government should reconsider this decision due to its importance in promoting inter-faith dialogue.

    Minister reply

    Responds by affirming that proper consideration was given to the decision, reiterating that the Inter Faith Network needs to develop alternative sources of funding.

  • Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

    Question

    Questions whether other organisations should be discouraged from relying on taxpayer funding after seeing the Inter Faith Network's situation.

    Minister reply

    Agrees with the sentiment expressed, noting that the Inter Faith Network needed to diversify its funding sources.

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    Question

    Raises concerns about the impact of withdrawing funds on inter-faith dialogue and community cohesion, particularly in her constituency.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the importance of inter-faith work but reiterates that funding was cut due to governance issues involving the MCB.

  • Barry Sheerman Ind Haringey and Wood Green

    Question

    Argues against the timing of the decision, suggesting it undermines efforts towards inter-faith dialogue in a tense political climate.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates that funding was cut due to governance issues involving the MCB and mentions other organisations funded by DLUHC.

  • Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth

    Question

    Questions whether a risk assessment has been done regarding the impact on community relations, reiterating concerns about the decision's timing.

    Minister reply

    Responds by affirming careful consideration of the decision but notes long-standing policy against engaging with the MCB.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    Question

    Asks about steps being taken to support inter-faith dialogue following the cut in funding.

    Minister reply

    Responds by noting that DLUHC funds other organisations working at a local level to support inter-faith work and community cohesion.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Asks how the Government will ensure continued focus on inter-faith dialogue when the Inter Faith Network closes.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates that understanding of faiths is important and encourages local-level inter-faith work, noting other funded organisations.

Shadow Comment

Stephen Timms

The shadow minister questioned why the Inter Faith Network has been treated unfairly since 1987, pointing out that it was told its funding would end on March 31 last year and that a promise of funding for the current financial year had never materialised. He criticised the Government's decision to withdraw funding during a time when Muslim-Jewish dialogue is crucial. The shadow minister also inquired about the Secretary of State’s failure to meet with stakeholders before making this decision, asking the Minister to recognise the important work the IFN has done for 37 years.

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