The new government that has been formed by the coalition of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats published its programme for government on Thursday 20 May. It represents a compromise between the manifestos of the two parties as presented to the electorate at the General Election.

 The coalition programme is divided according to the respective policy areas and the following parts of the programme will be relevant to the Muslim community:

• The banking system is to be divided in order to separate everyday retail banking activities from high risk investment banking activities. This will allow consumers to deposit their savings in low-risk banks. The coalition will also create a green investment bank.
• Local economic development will be spearheaded through local economic partnerships. These will replace Labour’s regional development agencies, though the programme does state that those RDAs which have been popular will remain. Contracts for over 500 pounds on behalf of local councils will need to be published. 25% of all government contracts will be targeted towards small and medium-sized businesses which will help local companies tender for government business. All employees will have the right to request flexible working. The coalition seeks to encourage directly-elected mayors in twelve of the largest cities in the UK. This could affect many cities with sizeable Muslim populations.
• The ID card scheme is to be scrapped. The Freedom of Information Act is to be extended and safeguards are to be introduced against the misuse of anti-terrorism legislation. The Extradition Act and Treaty is to be reviewed. Torture will not be condoned. The coalition will review control orders and look to how intercept evidence could be used in court.
• The police will be made more accountable through a directly-elected individual who will be able to oversee police services. Detailed crime statistics will be published for every neighbourhood on a monthly basis.
• The coalition will seek to establish a new and special relationship with India. A committee will consider the reform of the House of Lords such that its members will be elected by proportional representation.
• Parents, teachers, charities and local communities could apply to run schools themselves. More money will be attached to pupils from poorer backgrounds. Internships will be provided for ethnic minorities in every Whitehall department.

Editorial comment: There are various areas of interest here for the Muslim community from local concerns to national and international issues. All interested members of the Muslim community should make note of the policy areas that are being developed and ensure that they are part of the discussions in a constructive way from the very beginning. We have a habit as a community to come to policy decisions after they have been formulated and implemented, we should use the opportunity of a change of government as an opportunity for participation and inclusion.