Nearly 40 per cent of the Muslim population live in the most deprived areas of England and Wales, according to analysis of census data. It found nearly half a million more Muslims reside in the poorest fifth areas than a decade ago. The Muslim Council of Britain, who ran the analysis, urged policymakers to take action to avoid communities being “left in cycles of poor social mobility”. Zara Mohammed, the council’s general secretary, said: “The last decade has seen more second and third generation Muslims, confident of our faith and place in society, contributing immensely to the economic recovery and vitality of our nation.” ”There are, of course, areas of concern, particularly where many Muslim communities disproportionately impacted by deprivation. There is especially worrying given the concern on access to opportunity and inclusion. “Policy-makers now need to address these concerns, communities cannot continue to be left in cycles of poor social mobility. Young people cannot have a bright future if they do not have the best opportunities available to them.” FULL ARTICLE