European center explains why Britain has not classified Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist group

There is not much academic writing on the history of the Muslim Brotherhood with the West. The International Organization of the Muslim Brotherhood organization has been operating in many countries around the world, especially Europe, for some six decades and has been carrying out its activities in public. However, little is known about the details of links between the Brotherhood’s organizations in Europe and its local organizations in the Arab world. 

 

The European center for counterterrorism and intelligence studies recently published a study explaining the real reasons behind London’s non-classification of the Muslim Brotherhood organization as a terrorist group despite Parliamentarians’ call for taking this step. 

 

The study reveals that Britain has supported the Muslim Brotherhood and has given them an opportunity for community participation in Britain. It added that the organization increased its influence inside London. 

 

The value of indirect and indirect investments of the Muslim Brotherhood organization in Britain estimated at $8-10 billion. 

On March 1, 2021, Conservative Life peer Lord Marlesford of the House of Lords have submitted an official question to the British government on the status of a policy review into the Muslim Brotherhood announced in 2014.

 

In July 2014, the aforementioned review was completed. However, only a summary was published in December 2015.

 

This summary concluded that: “Muslim Brotherhood ideology and tactics, in this country and overseas, are contrary to our values and have been contrary to our national interests and our national security”.

 

Lord Marlesford’s question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the appointment of Ibrahim Mounir to the role of Acting General Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood; and what assessment they have made of any threat posed by his presence (1) to national security, and (2) to their international relations.

 

Answer to his question: We do not comment on individuals, but the Government keeps under review the views promoted and activities undertaken by the Muslim Brotherhood, including their associates in the UK.

 

Any allegations of threats to UK national security or misuse of charity funding within the UK are robustly investigated and appropriate action taken.

 

Lord Marlesford also called on the British government to reveal its future steps regarding conducting new reviews on the Muslim Brotherhood. The government is set to disclose the report of the review on March 9th.

 

Basma Qaddour