In 2006 Azad Ali was its chairman.[7] In December 2006, Ali signed an agreement with Sir Ian Blair, then Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, which stated: "The Commissioner will recognise the MSF as the principal body in relation to Muslim community safety and security."[2] By this agreement, Sir Ian or his deputy were to meet Ali and the MSF at least twice a year and to hold monthly meetings with the MSF at "New Scotland Yard or other suitable premises".[1] Met chiefs, including counter-terrorist commanders, were to attend the MSF's own meetings "whenever possible".[1] The Met were to "use the MSF as a consultation body to help formulate policy or practice" and "progress an annual plan of work through agreed priority workstreams", jointly led by Met and MSF representatives.