Britain’s police force has revealed a “startling disconnect” with Muslims by suggesting no longer shopping at Marks & Spencer is an indicator of extremism, the Muslim Council of Britain has warned.
Shuja Shafi, general secretary of the body, hit out at the country’s most senior Muslim policeman for making the suggestion and has written to his superior for confirmation.
Mr Shafi said it was “hugely worrying” that Scotland Yard commander Mak Chishty pointed to a sudden stop in alcohol consumption or M&S shopping as possible signs of radicalisation.
He called on Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, to clarify whether the views were shared across the police force.
A growing hostility towards M&S – which is sometimes mistakenly seen to be Jewish-owned – and western clothing brands could indicate radicalisation, he warned.
In a letter to Mr Hogan-Howe, Mr Shafi – who’s body represents 500 different Muslim organisations – raised concerns about the comments which were “conflating religious conservatism with violent extremism”.
“It seems this is not the case for some of your officers who are charged with community engagement. We would like to also understand whether your view aligns with that of Commander Mak Chishty who is reported to have said over the weekend that the police need to move into the “private space” of Muslims to see if they are becoming extremist,” he wrote.
“Mr Chishty uses examples such as increased religiosity (e.g., aversion or abstaining from alcohol), children not celebrating Christmas and avoiding Marks & Spencer – all of which are hugely worrying.
“Such comments, if true, demonstrate a startling disconnect between the police and Muslim communities. It underscores our mutual goal to deepen dialogue between Muslim communities beyond the grip of privileged interlocutors.”
The Met Police have been asked to comment.