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Lee Anderson, a member of the Conservative party, has been accused of expressing racist and Islamophobic views by stating that London’s mayor Sadiq Khan is controlled by Islamists.
The member of Parliament for Ashfield, speaking on GB News, accused Mr. Khan of giving away London to his friends.
On Friday evening, he expressed frustration by saying, “I do not believe that the Islamists have taken over our country, but I do believe they have influence over Khan and London. This issue stems from Khan’s actions, as he has essentially handed over our capital city to his associates.”
“Allowing Labour to enter through alternative means will result in further occurrences like this, and our cities may be overrun by these irrational individuals.”
Mr Anderson accused Sadiq Khan of giving ‘our capital city away to his mates’ (Victoria Jones/PA)
Mr. Khan, who assumed his role in May of 2016, is the inaugural Muslim mayor of London.
The opposition’s health spokesperson, Wes Streeting, stated that Anderson’s remarks were “harmful and divisive”.
According to Mr. Streeting, on X date, the Conservatives have taken their tactics of using coded language to incite racial and religious discrimination to a new level in mayoral elections. This is unacceptable and goes against the values of your Party, @RishiSunak and @RicHolden.
Sajid Javid, a member of Mr. Anderson’s party, took to Twitter to express criticism over a statement made by Mr. Anderson on a recent program. His tweet read, “That is an absurd thing to say.”
Former Conservative party member and previous chief of staff for Theresa May, Gavin Barwell, commented: “This is a reprehensible insult towards @SadiqKhan and the people of London.”
During his initial address as Prime Minister, @RishiSunak expressed his intention to bring our nation together. However, if he allows individuals like Anderson to continue spreading hate and causing division, his words will be exposed as insincere.
Liberal Democrat mayoral nominee Rob Backie has demanded that the Tory party revoke their support for him and has condemned Mr. Anderson for promoting harmful conspiracy theories.
Tan Dhesi, the shadow exports minister, said: “Given the recent spike in Islamophobia and antisemitism, and the febrile atmosphere in our country, it’s deplorable that an elected MP can openly make such incendiary and divisive statements; especially against Sadiq Khan, who has done so much to foster community cohesion and tackle hate crime.”
Mr Anderson was deputy chairman of the Conservative party until January, when he resigned over the vote on the government’s Rwanda deportation policy.
A representative from the Tory party responded to his remarks, stating that Lee was emphasizing the fact that the Mayor, in his role as PCC for London, has failed to effectively address the concerning instances of extremism occurring in the city.
In addition to the negative feedback, Anneliese Dodds, the Labour Party’s spokesperson for women and equalities, stated that Lee Anderson’s remarks are clearly discriminatory and biased against race and religion.
“Rishi Sunak should promptly relinquish his position. If he lacks strength, individuals will form their own opinion of the current Conservative Party.”
Dawn Butler, Member of Parliament for Brent Central, condemned the divisive language used by the right wing and accused them of inciting racial hatred, which is a criminal offense. She also addressed Chancellor Rishi Sunak, pointing out the 335% increase in Islamophobia and questioning why his party is promoting hate and spreading false information. She believes that the Conservative party is encouraging Islamophobia.
A source from the London Labour party informed the Independent that the Conservatives used similar Islamophobic tactics in their 2016 campaign against Sadiq Khan. Will they not condemn it this time?
During his appearance on GB News, alongside political reporter Chris Hope, Mr. Anderson participated in a heated discussion regarding police involvement in handling pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
In the end, we are responsible for running the country. If the police are failing to fulfill their duties, then it is our duty to intervene and take control.
Comments have been requested from Mr Anderson, Mr Khan, and the Conservative Party.
Source: independent.co.uk
