Stephen has pressed the Universities Minister on why the Government is yet to follow through on its promise to deliver a sharia-compliant student loan system.
In an adjournment debate in the House of Commons, Stephen set out how little progress had been made since David Cameron made a pledge in 2013 to introduce an alternative model of student finance for Muslim students since then. This was despite a government consultation in 2014, which found:
94% of the respondents believed there would be demand for a sharia-compliant loan.
81% believed that the model proposed was acceptable.
Stephen highlighted the impact the delay has had on the British Muslim community. Many Muslims were – and still are – effected by interest-bearing loans. Despite wanting to attend university, many students are choosing between their faith and their education.
Stephen urged the Minister, Michelle Donelan, to introduce a sharia-compliant model in time for the 2022-2023 academic year. Although she did commit to this, she did offer Stephen a meeting to discuss the matter further.
Speaking after the debate, Stephen said: “I am pleased the Minister agreed to meet m. I hope I can persuade her to keep the promise her government made eight years ago.”