Muslim anger over the war in Iraq boosted support for the Liberal Democrats in several constituencies with large Asian communities. It also contributed to one of Labour's greatest losses in Bethnal Green and Bow, east London, where George Galloway of the Respect party unseated Oona King.

The election saw unprecedented campaigning by the mainstream parties for the traditionally Labour “Muslim vote”, on the issue of Iraq and also on concern over anti-terrorist legislation. “The election results show that no single party can any longer take the Muslim community's votes for granted. The Muslim electorate has become more discerning and that is good news for the health of our democracy,” said Iqbal Sacrinie, secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain.