BROMSGROVE’S MP has welcomed the news of government funding to commission a war memorial in honour of Muslims who fought and died in Britain’s armed forces in both Worlds Wars, and since.
Sir Sajid Javid MP has been a campaigner for The World Wars Muslim Memorial Trust (WWMMT), a registered charity set up to honour the 750,000 Muslims who served in the Indian and Allied armies, of whom approximately 147,000 were killed.
Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announced funding for the project during his Spring budget speech in parliament on Wednesday, March 6.
The WWMMT memorial will be in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, a 150-acre visitor site dedicated to remembering those who served and sacrificed their lives for Britain.
It will take its place alongside commemorative memorials on behalf of Sikhs, Gurkhas and others, providing an important place for reflection by communities who lost relatives, as well as a place for those who wish to learn more about Britain’s rich and diverse history.
“The service of British Muslim soldiers in the UK Armed Forces deserves recognition at the National Memorial Arboretum.
“Thanks to this announcement by the Chancellor, and the excellent campaigning of the World Wars Muslim Memorial Trust, this vision will now become a reality.
“I am delighted to have supported the campaign, which will have an enduring legacy for years to come,” said Sir Sajid Javid MP.
The memorial will take the shape of a minaret, which is an integral part of mosque architecture all over the world. A low exedra wall will be inscribed with stories of Muslim soldiers who fought for the crown.
Materials for construction will be hard-wearing brick and terracotta sourced from different parts of the UK.
“Our project coincides with the widespread re-evaluation of colonial history and the role Muslims play in a dynamic and changing modern Britain.
“We want to emphasise shared sacrifices, a common history and values, and an inclusive programme of education for everyone in the UK – Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“The memorial will be a physical reminder of how people of all faiths make an impact working together and can continue to do so despite the challenges of those who attempt to divide our society,” said Sir William Blackburne, chair of the Trust.
WWMMT is the first Trust established to build a national memorial for Muslims and has completed permissions and plans ready to build once funds are raised. Its patrons include Baroness Crawley, Baroness Mobarik CBE and Lt Gen (Retd) James Bashall CB CBE.
The memorial was the inspiration of the late NHS consultant surgeon, Tazi Husain. Mr Husain inspired and spearheaded the creation of the Tempsford Memorial in Bedfordshire, unveiled by His
Majesty King Charles (then the Prince of Wales) in 2013, which commemorates the women who served as secret agents in occupied Europe during the Second World War.
In addition to Sir William Blackburne, other trustees include Shama Husain, Mateen Zaki, Asim Hafiz, Haider Husain, Irfan Malik, Tony McClenaghan, Atif Mehmood, Hasib Ur-Rub and Anwar Zaidi.
