An impressive group of speakers gathered for a meeting on the 15th of March 2007 in the Houses of Parliament. The topic was 'Integration, Inclusion and Identity', subtitled 'Clash of Civilisations; fact or myth?'
The meeting opened with a few words from the Chairman; Mr Shahid Malik MP who unfortunately was unable to attend. Instead, his assistant welcomed everyone and conveyed Mr. Malik's thoughts and feelings regarding both the event and the topic area.
There were several qualified speakers who talked around the topic in their personal fields of influence and from their various perspectives. The event was opened by Lord Tarsem King of West Bromwich followed by Dr. David Earle (Director of UPF Birmingham), Prof. Iftikhar Malik (Lecturer at Bath Spa University), Rev. Marcus Braybrooke (Co-founder of the Three Faiths Forum) and Hilde Rapp (Co-director of the Foundation for International Peacebuilding). Official responses were given by Rev. David Hart and Dr. Qureshi.
Also attending the event were many students from SOAS, UCL and the Muslim College (roughly 25% of the 75 present) and gave a very vibrant, youthful feel to the proceedings. Many opinions were aired and there was opportunity to plan further co-operation on other events or projects.
All in all, the event was a great success and, in co-operation with Mr Shahid Malik MP, we will carry on with this series of talks and meetings in the Houses of Parliament with another event in May.