To: The Rt Hon Keir Starmer MP

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

We, the undersigned mosques and Islamic centres across Birmingham, write to you out of deep concern over the escalating confrontation between Israel and Iran and the potential for British involvement.

As faith and community leaders, we urge you, Prime Minister, to ensure that the United Kingdom a permanent member of the UN Security Council, takes responsibility in leading de-escalation efforts.

The recent Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, including severe breaches of international law, has given rise to the current conflict and have pushed the region closer to a dangerous and devastating war. Any British involvement or support for such actions, either directly or indirectly, risks inflaming tensions and entangling the UK in a conflict.

As Chris Doyle of CAABU rightly states in his recent article for Middle East Eye, “the UK must not be drawn into an Israeli-Iranian confrontation.” To do so would be reckless, legally questionable, and morally indefensible. It would only deepen the cycle of violence in the Middle East and risk further destabilising the region, as well as compromising the safety and security of British citizens at home and abroad.

We remind you, Prime Minister, that the British public is war-weary. There is no appetite for further military entanglement in the Middle East, particularly in support of a foreign policy agenda that defies international norms. Many in our communities — including those who have fled conflict zones — are alarmed by the UK’s silence in the face of escalating Israeli aggression, not least in Gaza.

* We therefore call on your government to:

* Firmly oppose any UK military involvement in an Israeli-Iranian conflict, directly or through logistical or intelligence support.

* Uphold international law by condemning violations of diplomatic norms and ensuring Britain does not become complicit in unlawful military actions.

* Prioritise de-escalation and diplomacy, working with international partners to prevent further violence and encourage peaceful resolution.

* Demonstrate consistency in foreign policy, including applying the same legal and moral standards to all states, whether allies or adversaries.

We believe that the UK’s role on the world stage must be one that promotes peace, justice, and the rule of law — not one that risks dragging the country into another disastrous war.

Yours sincerely,

1. Abrahamic Foundation, Smethwick B66 3AH
2. Al-Abbas Islamic Centre, 17 Clifton Road, B12 8SX, Balsall Heath, Birmingham
3. As-Suffa Trust 156 High St Aston B6 4UX
4. Birmingham Masjid and Dawah Centre, 148 Gerrard St, Lozells, Birmingham, B19 2DR
5. Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif, 150 Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 0DP
6. Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre – 20 Green Lane, Birmingham, B9 5DB
7. Jami Mosque and Islamic Centre, Birmingham, 521-527 Coventry Road, Birmingham B10 0LL
8. Mahmudsabir Masjid – 279 Formans Rd, B113BZ
9. Makki Masjid Trust. Stafford Rd, Handsworth. B219DU
10. Masjid Al Falaah (KMAB)- 32 Trinity Road, B6 6AL
11. Masjid Ēsa Ibn Maryam (ArRahma Foundation) 14 Etwall Rd, Hall Green, B28 0LE
12. Masjid Sulaymān Bin Dāwūd (ArRahma Foundation) 196 York Road, Hall Green, B28 8LE
13. Muslim Students House Masjid & Community Centre Birmingham (MSHMCC) – 517 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9BX
14. Sparkbrook Islamic Centre and Masjid 179 -187 Anderton Rd Sparkbrook B11 1ND
15. Zaytuna Masjid, Quinton Road West B32 3PJ