Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Muslim council demands probe into Tory 'Islamophobia crisis'

THE Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has reasserted its demand for an independent probe into Islamophobia accusations against the Conservative Party, after sending a dossier of 300 alleged cases involving Tories to UK’s human rights watchdog.

The dossier sent to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) included claims against the prime minister and his aides, party members, MPs and councillors.


The MCB’s secretary general, Harun Khan, accused the party of being in “denial” over the “systemic” problem of Islamophobia.

He urged the EHRC to take “swift action”, alleging that the watchdog had “failed to give any response” to its formal demand for an inquiry in May last year.

The first dossier had named about 150 people who allegedly displayed Islamophobia, or made anti-Muslim remarks.

The new dossier, with double the number of allegations, included:

* The prime minister’s chief adviser Dominic Cummings playing on “fears of immigration and hate against Muslims” during the Vote Leave campaign.

* MP Dehenna Davison being photographed with a far-right activist, who was spotted in a picture showing him burning a copy of the Koran while posing next to a “f*** P****” message.

* MP Daniel Kawczynski speaking at a conference with far-right leaders.

* MP Karl McCartney retweeting anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson’s posts.

* MP Sally-Ann Hart terming an anti-Islam activist’s article as an “affecting read”.

* Unsavoury comments by Andrew Sabisky, who recently quit as a No 10 adviser, on the UK turning into a “majority Islamic nation” by 2050.

Though the Conservative Party had promised a probe on discrimination in general within the party, but refused a specific independent inquiry into Islamophobia.

“There is no doubt that the Conservative Party has an Islamophobia crisis: it is institutional, systemic and widespread,” Khan told the Mirror. “The party's response has been one of denial, dismissal and deceit.”

He added that it was a case of “clear discrimination against Muslims” because of their religion”.

Said Khan: “The absence of meaningful action by the Conservative Party despite the wealth of evidence makes it all the more important that the EHRC recognises the impact of this level of Islamophobia in our governing party, and takes swift action.”

An EHRC spokesperson said the watchdog was “actively considering what, if any, action we may take in relation to the handling of Islamophobia and other discrimination within the Conservative Party”.

“We are also awaiting the final terms of reference of the party's independent review which we will consider as part of our decision making process,” she added.

The MCB dossier highlighted the prime minister’s “dehumanising and offensive” comments comparing women wearing purdahs to “bank robbers” and “letter boxes”.

Johnson had apologised for “all the hurt and offence” caused to Muslims, and promised a “zero-tolerance approach” towards Islamophobia.

More For You

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Barnaby Rogerson in conversation with Anthony Sattin (L) on day 2 of Voices of Faith

Voices of Faith - Day 2: A profound confluence of spirituality, music, and dialogue

Mahesh Liloriya

The second day of Voices of Faith unfolded with an enchanting blend of music, philosophy, and intellectual exploration at the Barbican Centre, London. This inaugural festival, curated by Teamwork Arts—the force behind the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London—has been made possible by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners, amplifying the festival’s reach and resonance.

Session 1- Echoes of eternity: The timeless notes of Kabir

Keep ReadingShow less
starmer-immigration

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

UK returns 24,000 illegal migrants since July, highest in eight years

THE UK government has returned over 24,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the country since July, marking the highest rate of removals in eight years, prime minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.

Speaking at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, Starmer said the government is working to restore order to the immigration system.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

Baroness Patricia Scotland speaks at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London (Photo: The Ismaili National Council for the United Kingdom)

'Aga Khan dedicated his life to service, peace, and pluralism'

THE outgoing head of the Commonwealth has paid tribute to the late Prince Karim Aga Khan, describing him as a visionary leader whose lifelong dedication to service, peace, and pluralism has left a lasting impact on the world.

Speaking at an Iftar dinner held at the Ismaili Centre in London last Wednesday (26), Baroness Patricia Scotland, who steps down as Commonwealth secretary general on 1 April, reflected on her personal connection with the Aga Khan, recalling their meetings during Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Myanmar-quake-rescue-Reuters

Rescuers carry the body of a victim during search and rescue operations, following a strong earthquake, in Bangkok, Thailand, March 30. (Photo: Reuters)

Myanmar earthquake death toll rises to 1,700, UK pledges £10m in aid

RESCUE efforts continued in Myanmar as residents searched for survivors in collapsed buildings in Mandalay, two days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country. The disaster has killed at least 1,700 people in Myanmar and 17 in neighbouring Thailand.

The quake hit near Mandalay on Friday afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock. The tremors caused widespread destruction, damaging buildings, bridges, and roads in the city of more than 1.7 million people.

Keep ReadingShow less