Islamic children’s camp cancelled over ‘safety concerns’ after objections from Herts Reform UK

A bank holiday weekend children’s camp in Hertfordshire run by a Muslim community organisation has been cancelled because of safety concerns over “potential third-party disruption”.

The camp organisers accused Reform UK, who had raised concerns, of “Islamophobia” and of threatening to “mobilise protests” and “disrupt” the camp.

Camp Wilayah, for children aged nine to 14, at the Hertfordshire Scouts-owned Phasels Wood Activity Centre, near Kings Langley, had been criticised by representatives of Reform UK branches in Hertfordshire, including Hertford and Stortford association chair John Burmicz.

They argued that Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission (AIM) has “clear and troubling ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Regime”.

Videos shared on AIM’s social media accounts include praise for Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, and criticism of media outlets including the BBC, Sky News and CNN, which they appear to refer to as “Zionist propaganda stations”.

According to The Times, in one post AIM called Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander killed in a US drone strike, a “great hero”.

Concerns about the camp were also raised by Conservative county councillor Caroline Clapper, as well as UK Lawyers for Israel and Lord Walney, the Government’s former extremism adviser.

A spokesperson for the Scouts confirmed on Wednesday (August 13) that the camp, from August 22 to 25, has been cancelled.

They said: “The safety of young people, volunteers and the public is Hertfordshire Scouts’ highest priority.

“Following increased public attention surrounding a booking by AIM, we have become concerned about our ability to fully secure the perimeter of our large site against potential third-party disruption. This could compromise the safe and smooth operation of the site during the scheduled weekend.

“After conducting a thorough risk assessment, we have concluded that the situation poses a safety risk to all individuals intending to use the facility during that time.

“As a result, we have reviewed the AIM booking with Phasels Wood Activity Centre and can confirm that it has been cancelled.”

It is understood that the Scouts’ concerns about “potential third-party disruption” were part of a proactive risk assessment rather than a response to any specific plans.

Responding to the cancellation, an AIM spokesperson said “children are being punished simply for their faith” and accused “foreign political lobby groups, media outlets and far right thugs” of making “unfounded allegations that heighten the risk and encourage harm to children in the UK”.

They continued: “For over a decade, Camp Wilayah has been a cherished space where our children could enjoy the outdoors, grow in their values and form lifelong friendships.

“Many of those who attended Camp Wilayah are now doctors, plumbers, teachers, engineers and public servants, proud citizens who give back to Britain every single day.

“No evidence of wrongdoing has ever been found at Camp Wilayah. To attack such a wholesome and positive tradition is shameful.”

They accused Reform UK of “Islamophobia” and of threatening to “mobilise protests” and “disrupt” the camp – a claim that has been denied by a Reform UK spokesperson.

Keith Steers, chair of Reform UK’s South West Hertfordshire branch, organised the party’s letter calling for the Scouts to stop Camp Wilayah from going ahead. He said that he was “very pleased” that the camp had been cancelled.

“We at Reform UK Hertfordshire will always stand up and hold to account organisations that go against the values and morals of the UK,” he said.

“We will work tirelessly to prevent children from having their childhoods taken away by teachings and ideologies that do not align with that which the majority of citizens in this country see as appropriate.”