On his blog Hamza mentioned this:

Why I Pulled Out of the JIMAS Conference

I was delighted to find out that I had been invited to share my views and ideas at the JIMAS conference. JIMAS had asked me to deliver the first lecture as well as the farewell speech. However, as a result of receiving many phone calls and emails raising their concerns about the nature of JIMAS' affiliation and some of its speakers, I decided that it was best to write a letter to JIMAS to ask them to clarify their stance on the issues raised. My name was almost instantly removed from the JIMAS site. Initially I decided to post the letter on my blog as I had heard nothing from JIMAS. I felt it was necessary to do that to protect the image I intend to portray as a Muslim and as a public speaker.

However I then decided to remove the letter as JIMAS had replied to the email after a few hours. In their reply JIMAS has clarified that they are an independent organisation but there still remained the issue regarding other speakers and there was insufficient information for me to be reassured regarding my specific concerns about the other issues. Therefore the sincere questions raised in my letter still stand. The letter can be found here.

The JIMAS team have still invited me as a special guest and have promised to discuss my issues and concerns with the Sheikhs at the conference. Unfortunately I can not attend as I have made arrangements to see my Grandfather in Greece who is unwell, but I hope that we might do so at some later date. I believe that it is still necessary to distance myself from doubtful matters. I am not telling Muslims not to attend, I am just trying to protect myself. Public speakers must always ensure that they are God-conscious and must constantly be mindful of the platforms they share and their political implications.Disassociating Myself from those who wish to Secularise Islam No one can ever be ‘guilty by association’ and I do not suggest that JIMAS is guilty just by association with some those speaking at the conference. However it is an Islamic virtue to try and maintain ones integrity by distancing ones self even from doubtful matters. This has been my thinking for myself, and I would urge it onto any others who speak publicly or are active.In my view, some of the matters I wish to remain distinct from - and I advise all Islamic Organisations and Groups to do so too - are: 1) Those individuals and organisations that, for what ever intention, believe that they should help promote a “reform” or “secularisation” of Islam propagated by several western think tanks. Certainly Islamic opinions are broad and Ikhtilaaf (valid differences of opinion) is a blessing from Allah. But there are some basics that all of us accept, and it is a violation of these that is what we should be fearful of. 2) There are Muslims and organisations that would ally with those who politically and ideologically attack Islam and Muslims amongst politicians and media, and seek to further their agenda through such alliances. 3) Muslims and organisations who have made it their aim to publicly attack fellow Muslims for their Islamic opinions and beliefs, falling into the agenda of those hostile to Islam.I have given talks, presentations and participated in debates with regards to challenging Secular thoughts and values. I believe it is via positive discourse with the non-Muslim community can a true understanding of each other arise. However, hosting platforms for Muslims who wish to Secularise Islam to promote their ideas unchallenged does call into question the platform. And by consequence for me to speak or give a key address at such a platform was not acceptable. Rather
I would like that such people must be strongly advised where they have contradicted the basics of Islam as well as being philosophically, intellectual and Islamically unsound.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Muslims and Non-Muslims who have supported my decision and apologise if my decision caused any organisational difficulty.
This is all I have to say about the matter, I will not be answering any more questions as we have to use our time to worship Allah (swt), defend His deen, give dawah and gain knowledge. Anything other than that is ephemeral and fruitless.
May Allah gives us the iman and taqwa to fulfil our obligations. May Allah guides us all and may all the Muslims gain proximity with Him (swt) and may the non-Muslims be guided to this beautiful way of life. Ameen.