Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Ramadan: A time for renewal

Ramadan: A time for renewal

THIS week marks the start of Ramadan, a unique and special time for Muslims in Britain and across the world.

It’s a time to reflect on and renew their faith, through devotion and spirituality while fulfilling the five pillars of Islam. The strength of devotion exemplified in fasting as the days grow longer is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the small acts of selfless service each of us can make.


During this important time of prayer and fasting, the message of Ramadan is one we can all relate to – especially the importance of charity and compassion. These core values at the heart of Islam are the same values that those of all faiths or none can aspire to.

Ramadan represents the true spirit of Islam, as Muslims fast to pray and show their devotion not only to God, but to those in need.

Making these sacrifices throughout the holy month of Ramadan reminds us of the small luxuries we often take for granted. It is a reminder of the admirable devotion the Muslim community gives to its faith.

As chairman of the Conservative Party, I am proud to belong to a party that champions freedom of belief and celebrates people from all faiths and backgrounds. I will fiercely protect our tolerant and open society where everyone can flourish.

As party chairman, a Cabinet minister and Member of Parliament, I see the tremendous contribution that British Muslims make to our country every day; from driving our economic recovery with the thousands of jobs created by the businesses they run to the invaluable support given to those working on the frontline as we tackled Covid.

Time and again, we have seen how Ramadan brings out the best of humanity, from the small acts of kindness to the community spirit mosques are showing in welcoming people of all faiths and none to share in the iftar meal. Something I am looking forward to experiencing in the coming weeks.

As we mark this holy month, we have an opportunity to come together to share our experiences and meet people of all walks of life. At this time of great uncertainty and with the tragic events in Ukraine, never has it been timelier for us to strengthen friendships across communities.

So, with this in mind, it gives me great pleasure in wishing all Muslims here in Britain and across the world, Ramadan Kareem. May Ramadan unite us as we celebrate our shared values and promote peace, reflection and harmony around the world.

Oliver Dowden is CBE MP, chairman of the Conservative Party, and minister without portfolio.

More For You

Minouche Shafik

Shafik served as deputy governor for markets and banking at the Bank of England between August 2014 and February 2017.

Reuters

Starmer appoints Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser in reshuffle

Highlights:

  • Minouche Shafik named chief economic adviser to Keir Starmer.
  • Darren Jones moves into Downing Street role; James Murray replaces him.
  • Wider reshuffle includes changes in Starmer’s private office and communications.
  • Appointment comes ahead of a budget expected to include further tax rises.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has named Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, as his chief economic adviser. The appointment comes as he looks to strengthen his team ahead of what is expected to be a difficult end to the year.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi putin

Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.

X/@narendramodi

Six key takeaways from the SCO summit

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.

Modi pressed for ending the Ukraine conflict at the earliest, reaffirmed India’s long-standing ties with Russia, and discussed trade and border issues with Xi.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghanistan earthquake

Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

Afghanistan earthquake kills more than 800, thousands injured

A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.

The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ganpati festival

The Ganpati festival celebrates Ganesha as the god of new beginnings, and the god of wisdom and intelligence. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Hindu community centre in London damaged in fire after Ganapati Visarjan event

A HINDU community centre in east London caught fire on Saturday evening, causing major damage to the building. The London Fire Brigade brought the fire under control and confirmed that no injuries were reported.

The incident took place at the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road in Ilford, which had been decorated for a Ganapati Visarjan event attended by members of the Hindu community.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi ,Xi & Putin

Narendra Modi talks with Vladimir Putin and Xi jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Centre in Tianjin on September 1, 2025.

Getty Images

SCO declaration slams Pahalgam attack, calls for united action on terror

Highlights:

  • SCO condemns terror attack in Pahalgam and echoes India’s stance on “double standards”.
  • Leaders call for justice for perpetrators of attacks in Pahalgam and Balochistan.
  • Declaration criticises Israeli military strikes in Gaza causing civilian casualties.
  • SCO stresses UN’s central role in global counter-terrorism strategy.

THE SHANGHAI Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Monday condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and agreed with India’s position that “double standards” in tackling terrorism are not acceptable.

Keep ReadingShow less