Projecting British Islam visits have proved effective at delivering strong messages to overseas audiences about the integral role British Muslims play in UK society. The delegations visibly undermine the terrorist narrative that the UK and the West is engaged in a ‘war’ on Islam.

Delegations also emphasise the favourable position of British Muslims in the UK compared to other countries, in particular their ability to freely practice their religion in a non-Muslim country.  A key outcome of the programme is to build networks and partnerships between British Muslims and communities overseas.  The programme strenghtens partnerships between British Muslims and communities overseas leading to grassroots follow-up initiatives. We work with delegates to support follow-up ideas in the UK and overseas.

Each visit has specific and tailored objectives which reflect the realities on the ground and our priorities in the country.  The Department for Communities and Local Government looks to include the delegates in follow-up work in the UK as part of HMG’s engagement with Muslim communities.

Media impact

The visits have strong media impact overseas and are an excellent way for the UK to reach a wide range of young people and key opinion formers. The visits are becoming increasingly media focused with delegates giving speeches and media interviews, writing blogs and articles and recording video diaries. We also follow-up the visit with a press event in the UK involving UK media. 

The delegates

The delegates are not spokespeople for the Government, but represent the UK and their communities.  They are free to express their own opinions. The delegates may not always agree with HMG policy during the visits but are valued as being British, Muslim and citizens of the UK.

We arrange programmes that enable delegates to engage with a wide range of young people and influencers in the countries they visit. The specific events are tailored to meet the objectives of each visit and often include events with university and madrassa students, community and women’s activists, civil society groups, government and religious figures.

There are no set criteria about who is asked to participate in the project and it depends on the particular objectives of the visit to each country. We take into account the likely resonance of individuals, their background or links to the country and relevant professional experience in the UK. The individuals do not have to be devout Muslims, but they represent what it means to be British and Muslim.

We aim to ensure that participants reflect the broad cross section of individuals from across the UK Muslim communities and reflect the diversity of opinion within the British Muslim communities – including young people and women. The decision on who is included in each delegation is a collaborative decision between Embassies/High Commissions and the FCO in London, with advice from Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).