Ex-Tory MP Refuses to Apologize for Accusing Sadiq Khan of Being Controlled by Islamists

‘Hatred’

Ex-Tory MP Lee Anderson Refuses to Apologize for Controversial Comments

By Our Political Correspondent

Published: 26 February 2024, 11:17 GMT

Last Updated: 26 February 2024, 11:45 GMT

Embattled former Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party, Lee Anderson, has steadfastly refused to apologize for his recent comments suggesting that Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, is under the control of Islamists. Anderson, previously a Labour MP, has faced immense criticism and was suspended from the Tory Party following his controversial remarks.

Mr. Anderson has defended his comments, describing them as “clumsy,” yet strongly expressing his belief that he was justified in making them. He attributes the remarks to his profound frustration over what he perceives as Khan’s poor governance of London.

A Divisive Debate

Mr. Anderson’s comments have caused a ripple effect in the political landscape, prompting a clash of opinions and disagreement among key figures. Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, denounced the MP’s words as “wrong” during a press conference but avoided labeling them as Islamophobic.

In response to Sunak’s cautious stance on the matter, Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the Prime Minister of lacking the “backbone” to confront Islamophobia head-on. Starmer argued that calling out such comments should be a straightforward task for a political leader, but the Conservatives’ reluctance to do so only strengthens their opponents’ claims.

The Origin of the Row

The controversy was sparked during a GB News discussion in which a panel of guests, including Mr. Anderson, debated an article by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, published in The Daily Telegraph. Braverman’s article claimed that Islamists, extremists, and antisemites currently hold sway in society.

Responding to Braverman’s claims, Mr. Anderson said, “I don’t actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London, and they’ve got control of Starmer as well.” The MP later alleged that an influx of people was taking advantage of the lack of order in London, which he attributes to Khan’s leadership.

No Apologies, Says Anderson

Despite the mounting controversy surrounding his remarks, Mr. Anderson has adamantly refused to apologize. He declared, “When you think you are right, you should never apologize because to do so would be a sign of weakness.” He acknowledges that his words may have been clumsy but insists they were driven by his sheer frustration with the deteriorating situation in the capital.

Sunak’s Response and a Call for Change

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, in an attempt to address concerns raised by the incident, stated that the Conservative Party would adopt the term “anti-Muslim hatred” instead of accepting the proposed definition of “Islamophobia” put forth by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims. Badenoch argued that adopting the proposed definition would inadvertently create a “blasphemy law via the back door.”

Rehman Chishti, a Muslim Conservative MP, took a different stance, calling for an independent adviser on Islamophobia and expressing concerns over both the Business Secretary’s comments and the Prime Minister’s stance on the matter. Chishti emphasized the necessity for a thorough examination of the issue and called into question the judgments being made by those in positions of power.

Response from Opposition and Birmingham’s “No-Go Areas”

Labour Party Chairwoman Anneliese Dodds has urged the Conservatives to adopt a definition of Islamophobia formulated by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims. However, Conservative MP Paul Scully, responsible for the capital’s former affairs, expressed concerns about so-called “no-go areas” in places like Tower Hamlets in London and Sparkhill in Birmingham.

Scully stated that these concerns needed to be addressed, expressing that Anderson’s comments had veered into extreme territory. Birmingham Labour MP Jess Phillips fiercely refuted Scully’s claims about Sparkhill, labeling them as “utter drivel,” and implored Scully to apologize for his remarks. Andy Street, Conservative West Midlands Mayor, shared Phillips’ viewpoint and urged those in positions of power to engage with the real world instead of perpetuating baseless claims.

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