Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, Leader, Labour Party

At the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to send my best wishes to all Muslims in the United Kingdom. Ramadan Mubarak.

I am inspired by the faithful devotion of Muslims across our country. Your commitment to your faith and your communities is even more prevalent in Ramadan. This time of prayer and reflection, personal sacrifice, and charitable giving, is a blessing to all our communities.

At a time of hardship in many parts of the UK and across the world, the compassion and generosity that you share with others is a lesson to us all. I want to recognise the tremendous contribution that Muslims make to our nation. Thank you for the countless ways in which you enrich and enhance our national life.

With my fellow MPs and Labour councillors across the country, I look forward to sharing iftars with you. I wish you the very best for this month.

Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader, Liberal Democrats Party

Ramadan Mubarak from the Liberal Democrats to our dear Muslim friends in the UK and around the world. May your fasting and worship bring you a period of peace that can be shared with friends and family.

I am sure for many; this year has been particularly challenging in light of the awful increase in Islamophobic incidents up and down the country.

One of the many beauties of Ramadan is the period of reflection it encourages. Reflections on those less fortunate than ourselves, for those scared, or lonely in this sacred month.

It makes me proud to know that British Muslims up and down the country who so wholeheartedly support their communities in incredible ways can make a difference through their faith.

Thank you, to our Muslim friends, for all that you do for your communities here in the UK and beyond. I send our best wishes to you for this Ramadan.

Rt Hon Humza Yousaf MSP, First Minister of Scotland, and Leader, Scottish National Party

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a month of spiritual growth and sacrifice, giving us an opportunity to spend time with family, friends, and community and teaching us empathy for those in the world who are less fortunate than ourselves.

It is a period when Muslims go out of their way to perform acts of kindness, offer prayers, and donate their time to those in need.

The month of Ramadan should also be a time of great peace; however, this will unfortunately not be the case for the many Muslims across the globe who live in areas impacted by conflict; they should be in all of our thoughts during this holiest of months. I am particularly thinking of and praying for the people of Gaza, who are suffering through a dreadful humanitarian catastrophe.

I would like to thank the Muslim communities of Scotland for the contribution you make here and globally, and I want to wish you all peace, happiness, and safety this Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak.

Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister of Wales

Ramadan is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the shared values of compassion, sacrifice, and empathy. As Muslims across Wales begin their fast and celebration of faith, I’m inspired by the stories of people supporting one another and sharing with those who are less fortunate. We support and praise your selflessness and your sacrifice.
“I look forward to joining you all at the end of Ramadan in the celebrations at Eid al-Fitr.

Ramadan Mubarak to you all.

Rt Hon Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

As Salaamu Alikum

I want to send my warmest wishes to all readers of The Muslim News, Londoners, and everyone across the globe who is observing Ramadan.

Ramadan gives us the opportunity to reflect on all that we have been blessed with, show compassion and generosity to those less fortunate than ourselves, and strengthen our commitment to our faith. And, of course, this Ramadan, our prayers will have a particular focus on ending the suffering of those in Gaza.

It has been a challenging year, but Ramadan provides us with the opportunity to strengthen our bonds with others. I am particularly looking forward to once again meeting with Londoners at a wide variety of iftars across our capital.

The sight of Londoners of all backgrounds uniting as we break our fasts and pray together is a reflection of London at its very best. I’m proud that we celebrate and welcome all cultures and people from all backgrounds. As global tensions continue, it’s more important than ever that we stand together. That’s why I launched ‘London for

Everyone’ to highlight the variety of backgrounds that make up our city, unite communities, celebrate our capital’s diversity, and promote mutual respect.
We are at our best when we are open and outward-looking. I know we will continue to show compassion and stand for what is right because our city is open and welcoming to all.

I’m also delighted to invite everyone to enjoy the Ramadan Lights in the centre of London once again and to celebrate the festival of Eid ul Fitr with Eid in the Square at Trafalgar Square on Saturday, April 20. Our annual free event will bring together Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds to celebrate Eid in the heart of our city.

From my family to yours, Ramadan Mubarak!

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Ramadan message can be found in the online edition of this issue.