Abstract
The issue of the religious slaughter of animals can be seen as a barometer of multi‐culturalism in British society. A comparison of the approaches of the Jewish and Muslim communities demonstrates the much greater effectiveness of the Jewish community despite lesser numbers. The Jewish community has wielded influence by means of tight organisation, sophisticated lobbying, the placement of key personnel, and by maintaining a very narrow focus in its political goals. The Muslim community, on the other hand, has shown a more fragmented and disunited approach.