European Union Referendum Result: Time to Heal Divisions

As the results of the European Union Referendum are now known and Muslims have voted on both sides of the debate, Dr Shuja Shafi, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain has issued the following statement:
“Clearly this Referendum has shown that there is disenchantment not only with the European Union but also with the way politics is carried out in our country. Our political leaders must now address these concerns in an inclusive and conciliatory way. We have witnessed a campaign that has been divisive and at times has led to the scapegoating of immigrants and minority groups. It is vitally important now that those in power must come together and heal divisions. We must also work hard to change the tone of our politics, to continue to be welcoming to those who are in need and to be an outward looking country. And while our country has voted to officially leave the European Union, we hope we can nevertheless retain bonds of friendship and peace with the rest of the Continent.”
Reacting to the resignation of the Prime Minister, Dr Shuja Shafi said: “We thank the Prime Minister for his public service. While the government’s relationship with Muslim communities has been extremely challenging, we commend David Cameron for speaking out against Islamophobia.  We hope his successor takes greater strides in working with Muslim communities and in resisting the temptation of xenophobia and intolerance that this result could possibly bring.”
The Muslim Council of Britain did not take a position during the referendum campaign, but did urge British Muslims to exercise their vote.