LDMF Fringe Meeting at Liberal Democrat Spring 2007 conference in Harrogate

Kashmir: present and future prospects

Harrogate International Centre

Queens Suite 6

18.15 Saturday 3rd March
Second Draft European Parliament Report.
A Review, Update and Consultation with EU Rapporteur Baroness Emma Nicholson of Winterbourne MEP.

Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2005 (PTB2005).

1. Conference Notes

   1. That there is a real threat to the United Kingdom from both domestic and international terrorism.
   2. Needless loss of life of innocent Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims and other people during the London Bombings in July senselessly perpetrated by misguided and indoctrinated British youth in the name of Islam.
   3. Legislative and intelligence based counter measures are required to address the threat of terrorism on British soil
   4. Muslim community in the United Kingdom are increasingly becoming victims of domestic and international terrorism through targeting by the police and security service and curtailment of their civil liberties and freedoms.
   5. Lib Dem stance on the PTB2005 is principled and responsible
   6. The British government or military involvement in conflicts with Muslim nations have a direct and detrimental effect on the community relationships inside Britain and that this effects all people living in Britain.

2. Conference Believes

   1. Vast majority of Muslims like a vast majority of all other groups are incensed by terrorism in any form
   2. Effective and workable anti-terrorism legislation needs to be appropriate, balanced and above all ensure perseverance of civil liberty and the principle of freedom for all.
   3. Anti-terrorism legislation targeted specifically at the Muslims will further isolate and aggravate an already sensitive and frightened community
   4. Muslim community must be brought into confidence in the drafting of anti-terrorism to ensure assistance and compliance in eradication of rogue elements in our communities.
   5. The Muslim Communities must feel that the government represents them and their views as it deals with other Muslim Nations.

3. Conference Calls for

   1. The Forum to proactively engage with the Muslim community and Liberal Democrat Party leadership to be the platform for dialogue between the community and the Lib Dem leadership
   2. The Liberal Democrats to strongly oppose any anti-terrorism legislation provisions, which may be targeted, directly or indirectly either by the police or the security services, at any minority groups.Call on the Government to consult British Muslims and take their views into account before launching into any conflicts with Muslim Nations.