Sadiq Khan Condemns Former Tory Deputy Chairman’s Remarks as ‘Fueling Anti-Muslim Hatred’
In a recent interview with GB News, Lee Anderson, the former Tory deputy chairman, made controversial remarks about Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, accusing him of being controlled by “Islamists” and giving away the capital city to his associates. These comments have sparked outrage and condemnation from various political figures.
Sadiq Khan, in response to Anderson’s remarks, criticized Rishi Sunak and his Cabinet for their “deafening silence” on the matter. He described Anderson’s comments as “Islamophobic, anti-Muslim, and racist,” stating that they only serve to fuel anti-Muslim hatred. Khan expressed his disappointment in the lack of condemnation from Sunak and other members of the Cabinet, suggesting that it implies a hierarchy when it comes to racism in the country.
The Labour Party has called for Anderson to lose the party whip, effectively expelling him from his party in Parliament. Anderson, who served as one of the deputy chairmen of the Conservative Party until January, resigned to rebel against the government over the Rwanda vote. His comments came after an article by former home secretary Suella Braverman, who claimed that “Islamists, extremists, and anti-Semites” are now in charge.
While a Tory source defended Anderson’s remarks by stating that he was highlighting Khan’s failure to address recent Islamist marches in London, Neil Garratt, leader of Conservatives at City Hall, disagreed. Garratt emphasized that Khan is not an Islamist and is not influenced by Islamists. Mohammed Amin, a former chair of the Conservative Muslim Forum, called for immediate action from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, urging him to denounce Anderson’s comments and consider removing the whip from him if he fails to provide a satisfactory explanation.
The controversy surrounding Anderson’s remarks highlights the ongoing issue of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment in the UK. It also raises questions about the responsibility of politicians in using appropriate language and addressing such issues. The BBC has reached out to Anderson and the government for comment, but no response has been received yet.
The condemnation of Anderson’s remarks by Sadiq Khan and other political figures underscores the importance of promoting inclusivity and combating hate speech. It serves as a reminder that public figures have a responsibility to use their platform responsibly and refrain from making inflammatory statements that can further divide communities. The incident also highlights the need for political parties to take swift action when their members make offensive comments, in order to maintain public trust and uphold values of equality and respect.
