Poll: British Muslims reject Blair and Labour

11/30/2004 7:24:00 AM GMT

Source: Scotsman.com

A new ICM poll, carried out for the Guardian newspaper published on Sunday, showed that the British Muslims are rejecting Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Labour Party, and turning allegiance to the opposition Liberal Democrats.

Most of the people surveyed rejected the Prime Minister’s claims that the so-called “war on terrorism” is not targeting Islam.

They, moreover, demanded having Islamic Sharia courts to settle civil matters and that working hours change to incorporate Muslim prayer hours.

Labour was once seen as the natural home of ethnic minority voters. However, the party has dropped six points to 32% since March, while the main opposition Conservative Party has dropped nine points to 16 per cent.

Support for other parties has increased from 2% TO 10%.

80% reject Mr. Blair’s claims that the war on terror was not against Islam, up from 68% in March.

Also 38% said they have heard of hostility or abuse incidents against Muslims because of their religion.

61%, back the idea of having Islamic Sharia courts to settle civil matters within the Muslim community in UK, as long as penalties do not break the law.

Also 55%, rejected banning school pupils from wearing the Hijab.

88% said that schools and workplaces should accommodate Muslim prayer times as part of their normal day.

Thus, the majority of UK Muslims are optimistic that their position will improve in the future; 44% say they expect the position of themselves and their families to improve while 33% say it will get worse.