The Petition:  

Please sign this petition to have Maajid Nawaz removed from his post as the Liberal Democrats' Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn. We have raised this petition because of the offensive and disrespectful images Maajid Nawaz has posted on facebook and twitter of the Prophet's Muhammad and Jesus (peace be upon them). 

Remember to forward to all your contacts - details on how to easily share via facebook are in the news section below. 

For every individual that signs this petition a copy of the letter at the bottom of this page will be emailed directly to Jeanne Tarrant, complaints co-ordinator at Liberal Democrat headquarters J.Tarrant@libdems.org.uk and Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats at nick.clegg.mp@parliament.uk.  

Background 

Contrary to reports in various online/offline media outlets and blog posts, this petition is in no manner connected, instigated or backed by any political figure or campaign. For the avoidance of doubt, this is entirely a non partisan, independent effort initiated by the balanced, middle ground Muslims of the UK.  We agree with the principles of respect and tolerance.  Maajid Nawaz is free to express himself however he wishes.  The point of contention is not his right to express himself nor is it the purpose of this petition to restrict anybody's right to do so.  

Rather, the purpose is to highlight to the Liberal Democrats that by choosing to exercise that right in an irresponsible, inconsiderate and flagrant manner, Maajid Nawaz, as a representative of the Liberal Democrats, has caused immense offence and disrespect to the religious beliefs and sentiments of all those signing this petition. 

Prior to the initiation of this petition members of the public contacted Maajid Nawaz expressing how insulted they were by his actions.  The reasonable expectation being that Nawaz, as a mature and responsible would-be parliamentarian, would be empathetic to the feelings of those he claims to speak on behalf of and would either apologise for any offence caused and/or retract his comments and posts.  Instead the Liberal Democrats PPC for Hampstead and Kilburn chose to react in a disgraceful manner by responding to the valid concerns of members of the public by telling them to “p*** off”, “f*** off”, brazenly goading them and declaring “I don't give a ****” and “f*** all y’all”.  Maajid Nawaz, through these actions, clearly exhibited that he completely and utterly disregards the sentiments, sensitivities and beliefs of others and thereby disqualified himself from holding a position of representation or authority. 

The opportunity for expression of regret  was afforded to Maajid Nawaz with a gesture founded in a sincere and genuine desire by the public to reconcile.  However, given the obscene reaction by Nawaz that time and opportunity has now passed.  The undersigned now call for nothing short of a complete removal of Maajid Nawaz from his post and expulsion from the party for breaching its code of conduct and bringing it into disrepute.  If Maajid Nawaz is not removed the only inference to be made will be that the Liberal Democrats condone, support and tacitly approve of his actions and are apathetic to the disrespect and offence he has caused to the religious sentiments of all those signing this petition. 

In addition to the above, it is worth noting that this issue is not an isolated matter.  Nawaz and the organisation which he co-founded and remains a part of, the Quilliam Foundation (“QF”), have engaged in McCarthyite smear tactics by misaligning peaceful Muslim groups with terrorist groups without credible evidence.  The QF has made a lucrative living from their toxic briefings to the UK Government, benefiting from what has become known as the ‘Islamophobia Industry’ whilst driving a wedge between communities. Moreover, the QF works collaboratively with many neo-con right-wing groups and has been parroting right-wing narratives against Muslims over the years. It is a complete paradox and absurdity that the Director and co-founder of an organisation that has worked closely with and that has extensive links to right wing think tanks such as the Henry Jackson Society can also be a parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats. 

Outcome Sought:

We the undersigned seek a declaration that our complaint is well founded and call for the removal of Maajid Nawaz as PPC for Hampstead and Kilburn and expulsion from the Liberal Democrats for disrespecting the religious beliefs and sentiments of the undersigned  aswell as countless more Muslims and Christians in the UK and abroad.  In doing so he has brought the party into disrepute and is in breach of article 3.7b of the Federal Constitution of the Liberal Democrats.