The review aims to unravel the facts surrounding the disturbances that occurred last year and to identify the root causes, ultimately providing recommendations for the prevention of similar events in the future
On September 18, UK Communities Secretary Michael Gove announced the appointment of three distinguished experts to participate in an independent review tasked with investigating the communal unrest that transpired in Leicester city in September 2022. The appointed panel members include Dr. Samir Shah CBE, Professor Hilary Pilkington, and Dr. Shaaz Mahboob. This review aims to unravel the facts surrounding the disturbances that occurred last year and to identify the root causes, ultimately providing recommendations for the prevention of similar events in the future.
The unrest in Leicester was sparked by tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities following an India-Pakistan cricket match in Dubai. The disturbances resulted in a series of unfortunate incidents, including vandalism, assaults, and attacks on places of worship and other properties. These events exposed divisions among various groups not only within the city but also beyond its borders.
In response to these developments, Michael Gove initiated an independent review in May of the current year, with the review being chaired by Lord Ian Austin, a former minister for housing and planning as well as a former minister for the West Midlands. Lord Austin emphasized Leicester’s proud history of diversity, tolerance, and community cohesion, underscoring the importance of comprehensively understanding the events of the previous year and learning from them to foster unity among the city’s communities.
The panel’s responsibilities include establishing the factual events that transpired during the period of unrest, analyzing the underlying causes, and providing practical recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. This endeavor is a significant step toward promoting community harmony and cohesion in Leicester
Dr. Samir Shah, hailing from Aurangabad, brings a wealth of experience to the panel. He has served as the Commissioner for the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities and has been involved with the Holocaust Commission. Additionally, he chaired the independent race equality think tank, The Runnymede Trust, for a decade.
Professor Hilary Pilkington, a Professor of Sociology at the University of Manchester and a Fellow of the UK Academy of Social Sciences, is known for her work on youth participation, activism, stigmatization, and extremism in the UK. She also coordinated the H2020 DARE (Dialogue about Radicalisation and Equality) project.
Dr. Shaaz Mahboob, the head of Digital Development at NHS England, previously served as a trustee of British Muslims for Secular Democracy for ten years, including a term as Vice Chair. His extensive experience in these roles is expected to contribute significantly to the review’s thorough and unbiased assessment of the situation.
Lord Austin expressed his confidence in the diverse panel, emphasizing that their collective experience and knowledge will ensure an honest, frank, and productive review. The findings of this review are anticipated to be published next year. The panel’s responsibilities include establishing the factual events that transpired during the period of unrest, analyzing the underlying causes, and providing practical recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. This endeavor is a significant step toward promoting community harmony and cohesion in Leicester.
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