FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LONDON, 23 April 2018

Sixteenth The Muslim News Awards for Excellence event celebrating Muslim contributions to society

The coveted The Muslim News Awards for Excellence event will be held on Monday 23 April in central London for what promises to be an exciting and inspiring evening of Muslim talent and their contributions to British society.

This year’s nominees include dancer, choreographer and teacher Salah El Brogy who is shortlisted for the Arts award. His approach to dance reflects his spirituality rooted in Sufism and his Egyptian heritage.

Internationally respected mental health advocate and national policy advisor Poppy Jama is shortlisted for the Health award.

Associate Professor Kal Karim has made a significant contribution to the field of chemistry through publications, patents and conferences. He has been shortlisted for Science award.

They join an illustrious list of both sung and unsung heroes, all of whom, through their nomination alone, become role models for British Muslims.

The full shortlist profiles can be found by clicking here

The Guest of Honour for the evening is The Rt Hon David Lidington MP, The Duchy of Lancaster and the Minister for the Cabinet Office.

“The Muslim News Awards offer a great opportunity to recognise and reward the huge achievements and many contributions made by British Muslims every year to our society. In whatever field they choose, British Muslims lead the way, bringing with them talent, drive and enthusiasm to help us build a fairer society and a stronger country. I am delighted to be attending and honoured to be awarding a prize,” Mr Lidington said.

He is joined by other parliamentarians including Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP, Shadow Justice Minister Yasmin Qureshi MP, SNP Westminster Leader Rt Hon Ian Blackford MP, and Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Exiting the European Union and International Trade,  Tom Brake MP.

Messages of support to the event have been sent by all party leaders.

Prime Minister, Rt Hon Theresa May MP, who has attended the event in the past, said: “The achievements of British Muslims from all across our country are an inspiration to us all. From youth work, sport and the arts, to politics, business and engineering, your influence reaches every sphere of society.

“We do not thank you enough, but these awards provide a wonderful opportunity for us all to pause and recognise the work your community does throughout the year.”

Opposition Leader, Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP, said: “Every year, The Muslim News Awards for Excellence does a brilliant job of recognising the fantastic achievements made by so many in the British Muslim community.

“In an age of rising of Islamophobia and other forms of racism…..events like The Muslim News Awards for Excellence are so important. They celebrate the huge diversity, creativity and dynamism that exists within the British Muslim community, highlighting the contributions of individuals in every field, from the arts to the charity sector, to education.”

SNP Westminster Leader, Rt Hon Ian Blackford MP, said: “The Muslim News Awards for Excellence are critical in recognising outstanding individual achievements whilst also bringing attention to the vital work carried out year-round, by you all.

“Raising awareness of a faith-based identity and the emergence of role models, inspiring younger generations, is a great way to promote positivity whilst tackling discrimination.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Vince Cable MP, said: “I would like to thank The Muslim News for their continued hard work in celebrating the achievements of Muslims all across the country.

“These awards are an important recognition of the tremendous, and often selfless, contributions British Muslims make to our society. Since its inception, the awards have inspired many and play an important part in challenging intolerant and unfounded views.”

Ahmed J Versi, Editor of The Muslim News, said, “The awards ceremony showcases the many wonderful achievements of the British Muslims. They inspire and motivate us to excel, as well as celebrate these positive contributions to society as a whole.”

Nominations for The Muslim News Awards for Excellence come from the newspaper’s 150,000 plus readership, while the shortlist and winners are decided by an independent panel of judges.

The Muslim News Awards for Excellence is a high-profile gala ceremony showcasing the best of British Muslim talent and is hosted by The Muslim News, the country’s largest and oldest Muslim newspaper. The newspaper continually works toward giving talented British Muslims the recognition they deserve for making positive contributions in their workplace and communities across the nation.

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NOTES TO EDITOR

For further information and to interview any of the shortlisted people and/or the Editor, Ahmed J Versi, please ring 020 8863 8586/ 07768 241325