Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, today met leaders of London's Muslim communities to discuss the imminent threat of the war on Iraq and its effects on community relations in London.

At the meeting the Mayor pledged to work with London's Muslim communities to oppose the war and to seek an urgent meeting with Sir John Stevens, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to discuss concerns that the war will harm community relations and see an increase in racist attacks.

Mr Livingstone said: "The most recent opinion survey conducted by MORI for the Greater London Authority found that 71 per cent of Londoners oppose Britain joining an American-led war on Iraq without United Nations approval. In addition, 86 per cent are concerned about a terrorist attack in London in the event of such a war, and 75 per cent are worried about the effect on London's economy.

"A war with Iraq in the current circumstances would be immoral and illegal.

"It will also harm community relations and I will be seeking an urgent meeting with Sir John Stevens, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to ensure that London's Muslim communities can go about their business in peace and security."

The meeting was attended by representatives from the following Muslim organisations: Muslim Association of Britain, Muslim Council of Britain, Friends of Al-Aqsa, the Islamic Society of Britain, Islamic Forum Europe, Solidarity Committee, Islamic Heritage and Cultural Centre, Al-Muntada Al-Islamy, Mayfair Islamic Centre, Islamic Cultural Centre, Muslim Welfare House, Federation of Islamic Organisations in Europe, Q-News, Impact Magazine, the Islamic Forum of Europe, the Council of Indian Muslims, the Islamic Human Rights Commission, Palestinian Return Centre, Union of Muslim Organisations, Federation of Student Islamic Societies in the UK

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