Our project has been endorsed at the highest levels.
We have retyped his endorsement below to make it easier to read, and have also published a scanned image.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston KCB CBE ADC
Chief of the Air Staff
Headquarters Air Command
Royal Air Force High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP14 4UE
25 November 2021
The Lord Sheikh
House of Lords
Westminster
SW1A 0PW
Dear Lord Sheikh
Thank you for your letter highlighting Squadron Leader Khan’s support for the wreath laying ceremony at the Peace Gardens on Remembrance Sunday.
It will not be a surprise to you, but Amir and the Recruitment and Selection team have been phenomenal in changing perceptions and promoting our approach across communities. As shining role models, they have engaged actively in places of worship, educational establishments and community-based sports events, demonstrating the Royal Air Force’s determination to champion inclusivity of faith and background. We are very lucky to have officers like Amir doing so much for this important cause.
I am very pleased to see the National Muslim War Memorial Trust working closely with the Armed Forces Muslim Association to commemorate the service of Muslim personnel in the Armed Forces. It is a hugely important part of the shared history of our Armed Forces. You have my grateful thanks and my full support.
Yours sincerely
Mike
On 19 August 2021 we received the following endorsement from him by email.
“The incredible contribution that Muslim soldiers have made, and continue to make, to the British Armed Forces deserves to be commemorated and celebrated. It is only right that those who have given their lives for our country are recognised and honoured by a prominent national monument, and that the public is able to learn more about the sacrifices made by these brave men and women for our country.”
We have retyped her endorsement below to make it easier to read, and have also published a scanned image.
25 June 2021
Our ref: D/Min(Lords)/AG MC2021/05690e
Dear Mohamed
Thank you for your letter dated 24 May 2021, on behalf of the National Muslim War Memorial Trust, regarding the initiative for a specific memorial dedicated to Muslim members of the Armed Forces.
As a nation we owe a great deal to all those who serve or have served in the British Armed Forces, and it is only right that they are held in the highest esteem by the people and Government of the United Kingdom.
I support the comments you eloquently made during the debate on The Queen’s Speech on 19 May 2021 regarding due recognition for those Muslims who fought for our country during both World Wars. The significant and vital contribution should rightly be in the public consciousness and your proposed education programme should appropriately do that.
The Ministry of Defence is appreciative of your efforts, and indeed those from the wider public; such actions ensure that the bravery and sacrifice through the ages of our Muslim Service personnel remains a prominent part of our history. We are proud that the honourable tradition of Muslims serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces continues today.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support on this laudable initiative and wish you and your Trustees my very best wishes in your efforts to pay tribute to those Muslims who have served our country. You have my full support and consent to publish my response on your website.
BARONESS GOLDIE DL
The Lord Sheikh
House of Lords
London
SW1A 0PW
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