ISSUES affecting Rochdale’s Muslim community will be discussed in a debate on Saturday.

MP Paul Rowen and Ali Khan (Hizb ut-Tahrir) will be on the panel of the event organised by Majed Iqbal, but Labour parliamentary candidate Simon Danczuk has been refused a spot.

Mr Iqbal, who is behind the internet site Majed’s Blog, said: "The event will tackle issues of importance to the Rochdale Muslim community, plans to scrutinise the various issues surrounding the topics which have been the focal points of discussion for government legislation, new projects launched, initiatives dictated by politicians, and political capital for opposition parties used to bolster their poor ratings in national politics.

"The event is a first of two events that is organised to provide the Rochdale community a platform to air their concerns, thoughts and ideas on issues where little public consultation is taking place.

"Opportunities will be offered to the audience to raise their questions and comments and engage with the invited panelists who will be answering a range of questions related to the current political climate."

Mr Rowen refused to share the stage with Mr Danzcuk, forcing organisers to choose between the politicians.

Mr Rowen said: "I was invited to a meeting to discuss my views about Muslims living in Rochdale and in Britain.

"I was not made aware there would be someone else present on the panel.

"I am not going to offer Mr Danczuk a platform to be able to debate with me when he is not elected.

"Maybe when the elections are called it will be a different story.

"If you asked most other MPs they would say exactly the same thing."

Mr Danczuk expressed his disappointment at being refused a place in the spotlight.

"This is just one number of policy areas I had hoped to publically debate with Mr Rowen in the lead up to the general election," he said.

The open meeting will take place at Castlemere Community Centre on Saturday 9 February at 6pm.