(sorry can the other post be deleted)
AslmzWW.
Erm why dont these two merge. I know theres a difference on stunning between the two but couldnt that be dropped by GMWA purely cause its doubtful which GMWA accepts also (and its ONLY Freemans that they ok the stunning for). Dropping something for the greater good/benefit of all and help strengthen the "Halal" cause.
Both their websites already have links to each others info hence why not merge. Mufti Sacha's knowledge on halal/haraam is probs unmatched in the UK and HMC's organisation model, certifying process, offices/inspectors around the uk (and their slowly emerging into markets abroad) it all makes simple sence - HMC needs to expand into those areas that are non-meat i.e snacks, confectionery, etc and GMWA could fulfil the main intention it was built on to have a relaible halal certifying body recongnised throughout the UK (soon overseas also inshallah) run/overseen by ulama and professionals.
Yes before HMC existed the stunning practice was almost impossible to avoid in the UK now with HMC being around for the past few years hence the market for non-stunned meat amongst UK Muslims has increased many many fold (*mentioned report here*). In light of this wouldn't it now make a common sense approach to also view stunning as doubtful and best avoided as there's an easily available alternative now in the UK (and its increasing year after year) - non stunned meat.
Canada's Jamaitul Ulama HMA has also used HMC as their model for their own Halal certifying body. France also has very similar as does SANHA of South Africa and America's IFANCA. Evening the UKs HFA have a non-stunning procedure which they didn't have before but due to the huge demand now in UK (and it being easily available in the UK) have changed their criteria - though personally I do not have as much faith in HFA as I do in GMWA/HMC.
GMWA has very good connections amongst a lot of major brands since I can remember (mashallah back since 1993!) and HMC has a good certifying policy, organisation model, offices/inspectors around the country etc - it makes perfect sense for both models to work more closely for the benefit of future generations of UK muslims. Having one single solid strong ulama run organisation makes it much easier for us all and just strengthens us across the whole market.
The present and future generations of UK muslims would benefit hugely (it'll also makes things clearer for them on stunning) if they both just merged or at the very least worked much more closer together then they currently do.
If theres anyone knowing any reason that these two shouldnt be joined in holy matrimony let them speak now or forever hold their peace - LOL.
but jokes aside it does sound pefectly logical and beneficial through and through...