West Midlands Police asks non‑Muslim staff to fast for Ramadan

West Midlands Police announced that non‑Muslim officers and civilian staff may be invited to observe a one‑day fast during Ramadan as an act of solidarity with Muslim colleagues. The force says the practice helps personnel understand the significance of the holy month for Muslim residents and improves internal inclusivity.

Critics, including Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy, argue that encouraging police staff to abstain from food and water could impair operational effectiveness and that public‑sector bodies should not promote religious observances. Timothy called the initiative “wholly inappropriate” and urged the government to reconsider the Public Sector Equality Duty that underpins such diversity measures. The policy has been highlighted as a model of inclusivity in other public services, while some commentators question whether it aligns with the police’s duty to remain impartial.

The debate reflects broader tensions over how public institutions balance religious accommodation with the need to maintain operational readiness and public confidence.