Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Angela Rayner attends Equi’s inaugural Iftar

Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Angela Rayner attends Equi’s inaugural Iftar, celebrating community, compassion, and unity during Ramadan.

Joined by her team and civil service colleagues at the Iftar, the Deputy Prime Minister praised Equi’s work as a public policy thinktank and warmly celebrated British Muslims’ immense contribution to the UK in business, public services, the arts, the voluntary sector, and philanthropy. She also highlighted Muslims’ generosity and substantial charitable giving, particularly during Ramadan. The Deputy Prime Minister made an impassioned speech in which she also announced the establishment of a dedicated Muslim War Memorial and enhanced measures against anti-Muslim hatred.

Prof. Javed Khan OBE highlighted Equi’s role as a critical voice for British Muslim insights in public policymaking and welcomed these commitments, emphasising the importance of reshaping narratives to better reflect the diverse and positive impact British Muslims have on our economy, social cohesion, and cultural life.

Guests also heard from Peter Vernon (Chair, Grosvenor Hart Homes) about impactful housing initiatives, which are transforming the life chances of vulnerable children and their families. A poet from Halifax, Zara Sehar, performed her deeply moving poetry reflecting on her working-class roots and her father’s resilience, which was warmly received by the Deputy Prime Minister.

Special thanks to the Grosvenor Group for graciously hosting, and to all our guests for joining us for a memorable and inspirational evening.