The Civil Service Muslim Network is back up and running following its suspension earlier this year.
The network suspended its activities in March following reports that it had hosted events during which speakers had encouraged officials to “lobby” colleagues to change the government’s policy on the conflict in Gaza.
Then-deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden said he had “ordered an immediate suspension of the network pending an urgent investigation into it and individuals involved”.
Cabinet Office minister Georgia Gould has now confirmed the network is active again. Responding to a question on the status of the network from former minister for the Cabinet Office John Glen, she said the network “had voluntarily suspended their activity earlier this year, but has now resumed activity”.
Gould added that senior sponsors have been appointed “to ensure all network activity is in line with relevant guidance”.
The suspension followed reports that webinars run by the network had coached servants on how to “lobby” and “petition” senior officials to move towards taking a harder stance against Israel and how to be “strategic and smart” in avoiding disciplinary action.
Dowden described the reports at the time as "disturbing political activism".
The Civil Service Muslim Network is a cross-government, departmental umbrella network representing and supporting departmental Muslim networks and civil servants. Its core aims are to:
- Represent, support, connect and champion Muslim civil servants across government
- Generate a better understanding of Islam within the civil service and challenge discrimination and misconceptions
- Establish a shared understanding of the network's vision and priorities
- Create a network of senior allies who recognise the lived experience of Muslim colleagues and help improve religious literacy and respect
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “The Civil Service Muslim Network voluntarily suspended their activity earlier this year, following reports that an individual connected to the network had potentially breached the civil service code.
“The network has now resumed activity, with measures in place, including oversight from civil service leaders to ensure all network activity is in line with the code and relevant guidance.”