British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has responded to comments made by a Conservative lawmaker about the mayor of London. Sunak stated that the remarks were unacceptable and emphasized the party’s zero tolerance for anti-Muslim prejudice.
Pressure mounted on Sunak to address concerns about Islamophobia following comments by Lee Anderson concerning Mayor Sadiq Khan, amidst escalating tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Anderson claimed that Islamists had gained control over Khan and the city of London.
Anderson, known for his outspoken style, faced suspension from the Conservative Party group in Parliament following his comments, which were made on Saturday, February 24.
In his response, Sunak said, “Words matter, especially in the current environment where tensions are running high, and I think it’s incumbent on all of us to choose them carefully.”
When asked about the existence of Islamophobia within the party, Sunak swiftly dismissed the notion, asserting, “No, of course it doesn’t.”
He added, “Racism or prejudice of any kind is completely unacceptable. It’s not British and we must stamp it out where we see it.”
Critics accused the Conservatives of exacerbating tensions, particularly over pro-Palestinian protests, which have been occurring frequently since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.
The firing of former Home Secretary Suella Braverman in November 2023 over her characterization of the protests as “hate marches” and the accusation of the police of being too lenient with the protestors underscores the tension.
The protests had been peaceful, though there were several dozen arrests over signs and chants allegedly supporting Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by Britain, the EU, and the United States.
Some people also say the mass marches have created an intimidating atmosphere for London’s Jewish population.
Anderson’s Woes Deepened
Anderson said, “The Islamists … (have) got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London,” and also claimed Khan had “given our capital city away to his mates.”
Anderson’s suspension means he will now sit in Parliament as an independent unless he joins another party, such as the right-wing Reform U.K., formerly known as the Brexit Party.
However, Labour criticized the Conservative Party for what it perceived as inadequate action against prejudice following the suspension of Conservative lawmaker Lee Anderson.
According to Labour, Anderson was suspended not for his initial comments about Mayor Sadiq Khan, but for his refusal to apologize.
Anneliese Dodds, chairwoman of the Labour Party, emphasized that Anderson’s remarks were rooted in Islamophobia rather than criticism of Khan himself.
Anderson, on the other hand, reiterated his stance on Monday, February 26, refusing to apologize and maintaining his criticism of the Mayor.
He accused Khan of neglecting the situation around Parliament during a recent pro-Palestinian protest, referencing a controversial slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” projected onto the Big Ben clocktower.
The slogan has sparked debate, with some interpreting it as a call for Palestinian statehood and others as a call for Israel’s destruction.
Furthermore, lawmakers reported concerns for their safety due to threats related to their stances on the issue. Incidents of both antisemitic and anti-Muslim abuse in Britain have surged since the outbreak of the conflict.
Last week, an attempt to hold a House of Commons vote on a cease-fire ended chaotically, with Speaker Lindsay Hoyle allowing votes on motions from multiple parties, leading to a walkout by the Conservatives and Scottish National Party.
Hoyle defended his decision, stating it was aimed at ensuring all lawmakers could express their positions amid a climate of threats and intimidation.
However, calls for his resignation have since emerged.
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