MCB Responds to Shocking News That Replica Mosques are Being Used as Army Firing Targets

8 April 2010 The Muslim Council of Britain was shocked and saddened to learn of replica mosques being used as Army firing targets in Catterick. Allowing the places of worship to be used in this manner sends out all the wrong signals on so many levels. The MCB raised the issue with the Ministry of Defence in the past and is now raising once again to seek clarification. Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said "Over many months mosques in this country have been at the forefront of anti-Muslim hate campaigns, vandalism and even arson attacks. This totally unacceptable and worrying practice of using replica mosques as firing targets plays into the very hands of those on the far-right who take aim at mosques. The Army must go beyond simply apologising and acknowledging that this insensitive practice must now stop. They have worked hard to highlight the contribution of Muslims in our armed forces. We hope swift action is taken to safeguard this good work and ensure cohesion". (END) Notes to Editors: The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's largest Muslim umbrella body with around 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools. Media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Media Office on 0845 26 26 786 or 07956 353 738. Email: media@mcb.org.uk. Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Office at The Muslim Council of Britain, PO Box 57330, London E1 2WJ. Email: admin@mcb.org.uk Tel: 0845 26 26 786 Fax: 0207 247 7079 This press release and other MCB publications and information are available on the MCB website at www.mcb.org.uk