LONDON - The Muslim Council of Britain, the UKs largest Muslim umbrella body with around 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools, has called an emergency meeting after growing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim attacks in the UK and across the Europe and expressed its concerns over this growing mentality. Muslim organisations will gather in the city of Birmingham after deep regrets and concerns that Islamophobia is becoming largely acceptable and tolerable due to the silence from British Muslim political leaders and by some sections of the media. This further enhances the legitimacy to ignore the concerns of the British Muslim community and increases the possibility of more anti-Muslim violence. Due to the lack of any clear policy or directive by the government, it has emboldened the far right groups, who are now increasingly targeting Muslims and their places of worship with virtual impunity. Urging the government for a clear policy, the MCB are expressing concerns of the British Muslim community that should anti-Muslim hatred remain unchecked and unchallenged by our politicians, media and the police; it has the real potential to lead and recreate civil unrest like those events of Oldham and Bradford in 2001. By not confronting these issues, it will inevitably lead to a breakdown in community relations at a time when there should be direct partnership to combat the rise of the far right with long term consequences on community cohesion. Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, says: The soaring anti-Muslim violence makes it more than ever necessary for the MCB and our affiliates to work harder to continue raising awareness and educating people about religious diversity that we share and benefit from in our country. It also demonstrates a pressing need for Muslims to be fully engaged in political and civic action and to build strong alliances with other faith groups to fight for a tolerant Britain and Europe where every faith and none thrives without intimidation, threat and slander. He urged the grassroots organisations, mosques, Imams and community workers to work more closely with groups of faith or none and civil liberty bodies to strengthen the fabric of our society and challenge all kinds of bigotry. The special meeting will reiterate the need of the MCB and its affiliates to demand an official enquiry into the rise of Islamophobia and to challenge all threats to the security of our nation from any extremist group at the expense of the law abiding Muslim community. Wes Streeting, President of the National Union of Students and Salma Yaqoob, Birmingham City Councillor will also attend the meeting.