§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Prime Minister if he(a) instructed or (b) agreed to the Cabinet secretary signing the pledge to British Muslims; and if he will make a statement. [15120]
§ The Prime MinisterThe secretary of the Cabinet signed the pledge as head of the home civil service because he thought it particularly important at this time to reassure Muslims and those of different faiths within the civil service through a positive statement of this kind. Diversity is an important part of the agenda for the reform of the civil service. He believed it to be a non-controversial statement put forward by a well-established organisation affiliated to the Muslim Council of Britain and he understood that it had the support of all the main political parties. He did not act under instruction.
§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Prime Minister when he was invited by the Islamic Society of Britain to sign their pledge to British Muslims; when a text for the pledge was first communicated to him; when he agreed to sign; and whether the text first communicated to him was that which was signed on his behalf. [15121]
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not our practice to give details on such matters. The Deputy Prime Minister signed it on the Government's behalf and all three main political parties were represented at the launch of the pledge.