West Midlands Police urges non-Muslim staff to fast during Ramadan

West Midlands Police announced that non-Muslim officers may join a Ramadan fasting challenge organized by the West Midlands Association of Muslim Police, with past events raising money for charities like Children with Cancer UK. The department described the activity as a way for staff to appreciate the significance of Ramadan for Muslim residents. A recent Telegraph investigation brought the program to wider attention, leading Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy to criticize the force for allegedly favoring Islamic practices and recruiting in extremist-linked mosques.

Former European Parliament member Annunziata Rees-Mogg asked if comparable requests would be made for Christian observances such as Ash Wednesday. Police statements emphasized that participation is optional and part of broader diversity and inclusion efforts that have been noted in other UK organisations. The association did not respond to requests for comment.