Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Former chancellor calls for memorial for Muslim soldiers

Sir Sajid told the Commons this week that an estimated 750,000 Muslims fought for Britain during the first and second world wars

Former chancellor calls for memorial for Muslim soldiers

THE former chancellor, Sir Sajid Javid, has urged one of his successors to fund a memorial for Muslim soldiers who served and died fighting for Britain during the two world wars.

Javid told the Commons this week that an estimated 750,000 Muslims fought for Britain during the first and second world wars, and approximately 147,000 sacrificed their lives.


Speaking exclusively to Eastern Eye, Javid said, “Muslims have a proud history of serving the British armed forces, including my own brother.

“An estimated 140,000 have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

“Muslim service deserves recognition at the National Memorial Arboretum, which is why I am proud to support the campaign established by Tazi Husain as the World Wars Muslim Memorial Trust.

"A dedicated memorial to Muslims in the British armed forces will help honour their memory and educate future generations about their incredible sacrifice.

“Previous budgets have included support for memorials to honour our brave fallen soldiers. I have raised this specific proposal for a Muslim memorial with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

“I hope to receive his support in order to make it a reality.”

According to Sir Sajid, who is standing down at the next election, the World Wars Muslim Memorial Trust is the only organisation with approved designs and planning permission.

The plans show a memorial in the shape of a minaret, drawn from a variety of Islamic architectural influences.

In 2015, Major General Patrick Sanders, businessman Peter Singh Virdee and Jay Singh-Sohal unveiled a memorial in honour of Sikh soldiers who fought during World War One at the arboretum in Staffordshire.

More For You

Another round of Indian deportees from US to arrive in Amritsar

Indian immigrants who allegedly illegally migrated to US arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, in Ahmedabad. (ANI Photo)

Another round of Indian deportees from US to arrive in Amritsar

A US military transport aircraft, the C-17 Globemaster III, is set to land at Amritsar International Airport on Saturday (15) night, carrying around 119 Indian nationals.

This movement follows the earlier deportation of 104 individuals, marking another phase in the US government's intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump plans to meet Starmer 'very soon'

Keir Starmer, Donald Trump. (Photo: Getty Images)

Trump plans to meet Starmer 'very soon'

US president Donald Trump said he had agreed to meet prime minister Keir Starmer and that the British leader wanted to travel to the US in the coming weeks.

Starmer's office had said earlier on Friday (14) that he discussed visiting the US on a call with Trump the day before, part of London's efforts to press its case with a US president whose overhaul of trade and foreign policy has shaken much of the world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker in India

McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017. (Photo credit: Twitter)

Man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker in India

A COURT in India has found Vikat Bhagat guilty of the rape and murder of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin.

McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alderman Alastair King

King, who serves as the global ambassador for the City of London, will be in Mumbai to discuss trade and investment under his mayoral theme, 'Growth Unleashed.'

Lord Mayor of London to visit India for trade talks

THE LORD MAYOR of London, Alderman Alastair King, is set to visit India for a week starting Saturday, aiming to promote free trade and capital flows between the two countries.

King, who serves as the global ambassador for the City of London, will be in Mumbai to discuss trade and investment under his mayoral theme, “Growth Unleashed.”

Keep ReadingShow less
trump-modi-washington-getty

The meeting came hours after Trump criticised India’s business environment and announced plans for reciprocal tariffs on countries that impose duties on US imports. (Photo: Getty Images)

Modi and Trump agree to resolve trade disputes, discuss tariff concerns

INDIA and the US have agreed to begin negotiations aimed at resolving trade and tariff disputes, following talks between Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump in Washington.

India has committed to increasing purchases of US oil, gas, and defence equipment, while both sides pledged to address trade barriers.

Keep ReadingShow less