To comply with sharia law, financial products must not charge or earn interest, which is regarded as usury.
Brown hopes his proposed changes would remove barriers to many British and foreign Muslims participating fully in the financial system. They would help make London the natural home for Islamic funds from around the world, and increase the inflow of investment from oil-rich Middle Eastern countries.
'Making the UK and London a centre for Islamic finance means putting in place the tax and legislative framework that is supportive of Islamic products,' said a senior Treasury official. 'On top of this, we're also looking at promoting the City abroad as a centre for Islamic finance.' Officials insist the changes will not compromise the government's determination to root out and cut off sources of terrorist finance.
Abul Taher and David Smith
Reference:
The Sunday Times - March 12, 2006
www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2081527.html