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In common with many APPGs, the idea of having an external organisation provide administrative support was deemed a sensible and practical way forward. Sincere concerns have been raised regarding Engage’s suitability to be the secretariat for the APPG. The Islamophobia APPG needs to be seen to be above reproach and political leaning, in order to have trust and confidence in the process.” This situation is not sustainable and it is therefore our intention, to call a meeting of the group at the earliest opportunity, to recommend that we dispense with the services of Engage.”
On the same day, the Jewish Chronicle published a further article written by Martin Bright, “Anti-Islamophobia parliamentary group drop 'Islamist' secretariat”65. In it, Bright stated that the APPG had been “forced to end” its partnership with the ‘Islamist’ organisation iENGAGE, an organisation described as being one which “has campaigned against ‘Zionist’ teachings at Jewish schools…defended radical Islamist preachers and targeted moderate Muslim groups”. Bright further claimed that: “the organisation also has an explicit anti-Zionist agenda with regular posts on its website about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The organisation argues that the injustice of the treatment of Palestinians feeds global Islamophobia.” 66
Bright stated that the Chair of the APPG, Kris Hopkins, had a change of heart following the publication of the Goodman article a week before, alleging also that “at least one former Labour minister warned Lord Janner to steer clear of Engage and senior members of the Jewish community have also raised their concerns”. It was as a result of this, the article alleges, that Hopkins and Janner asked iENGAGE to withdraw their support. In what was described as “a surprise move”, Bright quoted a statement from Simon Hughes who continued to back the organisation:
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http://www.thejc.com/politics/42307/anti-islamophobia-parliamentary-group-drop-islamist-secretariat http://www.thejc.com/politics/42307/anti-islamophobia-parliamentary-group-drop-islamist-secretariat