Rishi Sunak hosts Eid reception at Downing Street

RISHI SUNAK acknowledged the Muslim community’s “incredible contribution” to the UK as the prime minister hosted an Eid reception at Downing Street on Wednesday (3).

British Muslims are helping the country succeed in a wide range of fields including business, sports, NHS and armed forces, he said.

Sunak, whose private office has arranged several events with Muslims over the past three months, also noted the community’s support for the victims of the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

The reception was attended by community leaders and representatives and Sunak praised the efforts by British Muslims in raising millions of pounds by way of donations during the month of Ramadan to support vulnerable people both in the UK and abroad.

“Eid is a timely opportunity to acknowledge the shared values which bind us together, particularly your compassion and dedication to contribute to charity and philanthropy,” the prime minister said.

Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands MP said events organised by the Tories during Ramadan this year highlighted that “we are reaching out to everyone across the country.”

He said the delivery of the party’s and the government’s priorities will give everyone peace of mind today and provide the foundation for our plans to build a better future.”

Sunak had supported the UCL Turkish Society during the height of the fundraising efforts to support the victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

He had brought a relief parcel himself, which he added to the students’ collection and helped pack some boxes during his visit.

During Ramadan, UK government ministers also attended iftars events across the country.

Sunak also asked the Tory party chair to organise the first iftar (opening of the fast) reception hosted at Downing Street, where there was a special musical recital from the Olive School in Hackney, east London, for the assembled guests.

Sunak's wife Akshata Murthy was present at an iftar at The Ismaili Centre in south London.