Home Affairs Correspondent
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has launched Hungry for Change, a nationwide Ramadan campaign aimed at mobilising British Muslims in grassroots civic action and increasing voter participation ahead of local elections scheduled for May 7.
The campaign seeks to encourage political engagement within Muslim communities amid what the organisation describes as growing political fragmentation and a rise in hostile rhetoric targeting faith groups.
The MCB said heightened fears around migrants and religious communities, alongside an increase in hate incidents and the politicisation of civil rights and free expression, have created an urgent need for collective action.
The organisation highlighted what it described as overlooked challenges facing British Muslims, noting that requests for domestic violence support increase during Ramadan, reported hate crimes rise during the holy month, and eating disorders among Muslim teenagers intensify. It also said that around half of Muslim households living in poverty struggle to afford iftar meals due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The MCB said greater political participation is essential to addressing these issues, urging British Muslims to register to vote and engage with local decision-making. It argued that increased civic engagement would help influence policies affecting NHS resourcing, youth services provided by local councils and protections for vulnerable community members.
“If you don’t register to vote, British Muslims will continue to have their voices side-lined and their narrative remain as one of a disempowered community,” the campaign statement said, calling on supporters to “be a part of this social change movement this Ramadan”.
As part of Hungry for Change, the MCB is encouraging community members to register to vote, mobilise local mosques and community groups, host election hustings, participate in political education webinars and become “Get Out The Vote Champions”.
Supporters are also being asked to share video messages on social media using the hashtags #Hungry4Change and #Ramadan2026, and to contribute towards political education initiatives.
“Let’s strengthen our community’s voice together,” the council said, calling on British Muslims to make Ramadan 2026 “one of political activism, social justice and empowerment” across the country.
Feature photo: MCB leaders and community members at recent regional engagement events marking the launch of the “Hungry for Change” Ramadan campaign, aimed at boosting Muslim voter registration and civic participation ahead of the May 7 local elections. (Credit: Muslim Council of Britain)MORE RAMADAN NEWS |
Exclusive —Ramadan message from political leaders
Ramadan, Lent and the call to protect Creation
Faith, fasting and finding balance: Young Muslims on Ramadan 2026
Davison High School to host third annual Big Iftar
Ramadan 2026 Advertorial: Make eye drops a part of your routine: wake, drops, eat, pray, done!
