This story was reported in Sky News, The Independent and The Times on February 11, 2025.
In a landmark moment for interfaith relations in the UK, senior Muslim and Jewish denominational leaders signed the Drumlanrig Accords on February 11, 2025. The agreement establishes a structured framework for sustained collaboration between the two communities, fostering mutual understanding and social cohesion.
The signing took place at Spencer House, followed by a special presentation of the accords to His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. The initiative is the outcome of a yearlong series of high-level meetings convened by Imam Dr. Sayed Razawi, culminating in a retreat at Drumlanrig Castle in January, hosted by the Duke of Buccleuch.
The Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, joined the event remotely and praised the signatories for their commitment. "It was a real privilege to witness the signing of this agreement between senior Muslim and Jewish leaders. It is a really important moment in interfaith relations," said Murray.
The initiative is not political but represents a long-term pledge by the leaders to work together for the common good. The accords seeks to counteract divisions caused by global tensions and local misunderstandings, which often lead to escalating Islamophobia, antisemitism, and social polarisation.
The document acknowledges the shared spiritual heritage of both faiths and commits both communities to practical collaboration, including addressing social inequities such as food insecurity, homelessness, and discrimination. The principle of "disagreeing agreeably" is central to the accords, ensuring that differences strengthen dialogue rather than cause division.
To implement its goals, the organizers have proposed four key committees:
- Educational Collaboration Committee to promote interfaith dialogue in schools and advocacy for increased faith literacy within civil society.
- Civic Engagement and Joint Charitable Projects Committee to launch initiatives addressing societal challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and climate change.
- University and Campus Outreach Committee to work on campuses to build relationships, counter prejudice, and promote dialogue.
- Religious Freedoms Committee seeking collaborative solutions to safeguard religious practices.
The accord’s Jewish signatories include Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Rabbi Josh Levy , Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Senior Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Senior Rabbi Joseph Dweck, and Senior Rabbi Moshe Rubin, represented by Rabbi Elchonen Feldman.
Muslim signatories include Chief Imam Dr. Sayed Razawi, Senior Imam Qari Asim MBE, Imam Sheikh Muhammad Ismail DL, Head Imam Dr. Sheikh Khalifa Ezzat, Naushad Jivraj, and His Excellency Kinana Jamaluddin who represented the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Welcoming the accords, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of the Catholic Church of England, emphasized the importance of faith leaders developing strong interfaith relationships to promote social cohesion. "In my experience, developing friendships and close relationships between faith leaders is an essential part of encouraging social cohesion and good interfaith relationships more widely in this country," he said.
The Chief Rabbi expressed optimism, stating that although challenges remain, both communities are fully committed to the journey ahead. Imam Qari Asim thanked King Charles for his longstanding commitment to interfaith ties. His Majesty, in turn, emphasised that the true impact of the accords would be seen in its implementation.
The presentation of the accords to the King underscores its national significance, marking a pivotal step in strengthening interfaith unity in the UK. The initiative represents the beginning of an ongoing commitment to ethical action and collaboration in service of the greater good.
