National Resilience: MCF Submission to the National Resilience Committee

In July 2026, the Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) submitted this formal response to the National Resilience Committee. The document highlights how international crises, geopolitical instability, and economic shocks directly impact domestic security and social cohesion within the UK. It advocates for a “Whole of Society Approach” that formally integrates local grassroots charities—often acting as a “fourth emergency service”—into national preparedness and emergency response strategies.

Key Highlights:

• Global conflicts translate directly into heightened domestic tensions, as evidenced by a 763% surge in Islamophobic incidents following October 7, 2023.
• National resilience strategies must be co-created with local communities, utilising the nuanced insights of grassroots groups to strengthen early warning mechanisms and protect social cohesion.
• Civil society organisations are essential for translating and disseminating complex emergency preparedness guidance to minority ethnic groups who often face accessibility and language barriers.
• Equitable funding is critical to support vulnerable communities, with the submission highlighting that 94% of grant-making trustees hold a White ethnic background, underscoring the need for greater diversity in funding boards to support BAME organisations.

Download the full document to read MCF’s complete risk assessment and policy recommendations.