The Civil Service Muslim Network has been suspended by Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden pending an urgent investigation, following reports that the organization hosted webinars where speakers allegedly criticized the “insidious” influence of the Israel lobby.
The immediate suspension was triggered after a leaked memo detailing several internal webinars held by the network reached the right-wing newspaper The Times. The virtual events reportedly focused on discussing the British government’s official stance on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to reports concerning the webinars, a discussion held in December featured an individual working in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who described the war in Gaza as a “fight between good and evil,” which critics interpreted as implying that Israel was evil. During another event hosted by the Muslim network, an official allegedly remarked that the “Israel lobby” exerts an “insidious influence” on British politics.
The swift action taken by the government has sparked immediate backlash from labor representatives. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) strongly condemned the Deputy Prime Minister’s decision, branding the shock suspension as concerning and “entirely insensitive,” particularly given that the action was taken during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a formal statement published on the PCS website, the union addressed the controversy, noting that while civil service networks sit outside of the formal remit of PCS, it remains deeply alarming that a network dedicated to representing and supporting Muslim civil servants could be shut down in this manner.
The statement further highlighted broader concerns within government departments, pointing to instances where agencies, such as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), reportedly claimed that donating to legitimate humanitarian charities like Medical Aid for Palestinians runs contrary to civil service values. The union argued that these combined actions raise profound concerns regarding potential Islamophobia at the heart of government operations.
The PCS noted that it was the first national trade union to formally condemn both the October attacks and hostage-taking by Hamas, as well as the subsequent military campaign launched by the Israeli government in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 31,500 civilians.
Defending his decision, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden expressed strong disapproval of the statements reportedly made during the network’s webinars. Speaking to The Times, Mr. Dowden stated that he was disgusted by the allegations, characterizing them as a breach of trust and a betrayal of hardworking, diligent Muslim civil servants who would not engage in such political activism. He confirmed that he ordered an immediate suspension of the network pending an urgent investigation into both the organization and the individuals involved, adding that the inquiry would encompass critical safeguarding and security issues.
A government spokesperson reiterated this stance, emphasizing that all civil servants are strictly required to adhere to the civil service code at all times, including during any participation in staff network activities.
The Civil Service Muslim Network (CSMN) serves as the sole cross-government, departmental umbrella network designed to represent and support departmental Muslim networks and individual civil servants across various government bodies. According to the official government website, the vision of the CSMN is to help foster an inclusive workplace where civil servants from all backgrounds can fulfill their potential, ensure every voice is heard, and contribute to delivering effective policy and public services that mirror the rich diversity of the public they serve.
In its response, the PCS also raised serious concerns regarding the safety and freedom of expression for its own members when speaking out in defense of Palestine. The union emphasized that while it firmly condemns both antisemitism and Islamophobia, shutting down staff support groups and suppressing open discussions is not an effective way to address these complex issues.
The union announced that its General Secretary, Fran Heathcote, is actively seeking a meeting with the Cabinet Office to clarify the interpretation of the civil service code and to advocate for the rights of civil service members to support humanitarian causes, attend peaceful protests, and participate in vigils calling for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza. In the interim, the PCS has encouraged Muslim civil servants to join the union and get involved with its Black Members Network.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of official UK government policy, which maintains that Israel possesses the right to defend itself under international law following the October 7 attacks by Hamas and the subsequent capture of hostages. To date, the British government has stopped short of calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, even as the Palestinian death toll in the territory continues to rise, with figures indicating tens of thousands of casualties, including thousands of children.