FMO GM Requests to the Upcoming Mayor

Islamophobia is rising and far-right rhetoric is becoming normalised within parts of public life.

These are our requests from the next Mayor:

1. To champion a clear and consistent Greater Manchester approach to tackling Islamophobia: improving reporting, supporting victims, tackling online and offline anti-Muslim hatred, protecting mosques and places of worship, and ensuring that public services understand and respond appropriately to anti-Muslim prejudice and hate crime.
2. Ethical and transparent public leadership. Greater Manchester’s public bodies and pension funds invest substantial amounts of public money. We ask the Mayor to champion a transparent ethical investment framework, full disclosure of investments, and a clear process for withdrawing public money from companies connected to arms, occupation, human rights abuses and the oppression of civilian populations.
3. Defence of democratic freedoms. The right to protest, speak, campaign and express solidarity with Palestinians must be protected. We will always reject antisemitism, Islamophobia and every other form of racism and hate.
4. Investment in our young people through education, skills, employment, mentoring and leadership opportunities. Young Muslims are achieving remarkable success within education, yet too many still face barriers to employment, discrimination and unequal access to opportunities.
5. We ask for genuine partnership in health and mental wellbeing. As the NHS moves towards neighbourhood health, faith and community should be recognised as key partners in prevention, reducing health inequalities, improving mental well-being and supporting local communities. Muslim organisations already provide trusted services that reach thousands of people each year.
6. Safer and more cohesive communities; tackling hate crime, anti-social behaviour and serious violence, while supporting effective neighbourhood policing and stronger partnerships with faith and community organisations.
7. Action on the cost of living, poverty and housing. Many individuals and families continue to face rising living costs, financial hardship and challenges in accessing affordable, good-quality housing. We ask the Mayor to work with local authorities, employers, charities and community organisations to reduce poverty, improve access to affordable housing, create pathways into good employment and skills, and ensure practical support reaches those who need it most.

The Forum of Muslim Organisations would welcome regular meaningful dialogue with the Mayor and their office.