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General election 2019: Muslim Council criticises Tories over Islamophobia | General election 2019: Muslim Council criticises Tories over Islamophobia |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The Muslim Council of Britain has accused the Conservative Party of "denial, dismissal and deceit" over the issue of Islamophobia. | The Muslim Council of Britain has accused the Conservative Party of "denial, dismissal and deceit" over the issue of Islamophobia. |
The MCB said the party had a "blind spot for this type of racism" and had failed to take steps to tackle it. | The MCB said the party had a "blind spot for this type of racism" and had failed to take steps to tackle it. |
The group was responding to criticism of Labour's handling of anti-Semitism by the chief rabbi. | The group was responding to criticism of Labour's handling of anti-Semitism by the chief rabbi. |
Chancellor Sajid Javid said the Conservatives "have taken hatred of any type very seriously". | |
In the Times, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said Labour had not done enough to tackle anti-Semitism and urged people to "vote with their conscience" in the general election. | In the Times, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said Labour had not done enough to tackle anti-Semitism and urged people to "vote with their conscience" in the general election. |
He wrote that the "overwhelming majority of British Jews are gripped by anxiety" at the prospect of a Labour victory in the 12 December poll. | He wrote that the "overwhelming majority of British Jews are gripped by anxiety" at the prospect of a Labour victory in the 12 December poll. |
In response, the MCB said British Muslims would "listen to the chief rabbi and agree on the importance of voting with their conscience". | In response, the MCB said British Muslims would "listen to the chief rabbi and agree on the importance of voting with their conscience". |
A spokesperson added that the "unacceptable presence of anti-Semitism in Britain" was a source of "real fear" for British Jews. | A spokesperson added that the "unacceptable presence of anti-Semitism in Britain" was a source of "real fear" for British Jews. |
They added the chief rabbi's comments "highlighted the importance of speaking out on the racism we face, whilst maintaining our non-partisan stance". | They added the chief rabbi's comments "highlighted the importance of speaking out on the racism we face, whilst maintaining our non-partisan stance". |
"It is abundantly clear to many Muslims that the Conservative Party tolerate Islamophobia, allow it to fester in society". | "It is abundantly clear to many Muslims that the Conservative Party tolerate Islamophobia, allow it to fester in society". |
Watchdog probe | Watchdog probe |
The MCB is an umbrella organisation of various UK Muslim bodies, including mosques, schools, and charitable associations. | The MCB is an umbrella organisation of various UK Muslim bodies, including mosques, schools, and charitable associations. |
It has previously called for allegations of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party to be investigated by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. | It has previously called for allegations of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party to be investigated by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. |
The UK's human rights watchdog is currently investigating allegations of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party. | The UK's human rights watchdog is currently investigating allegations of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party. |
The Conservatives have pledged to start an investigation into Islamophobia and other forms of prejudice within the party before the end of the year. | The Conservatives have pledged to start an investigation into Islamophobia and other forms of prejudice within the party before the end of the year. |
Mr Javid told the BBC: "What we have done is changed laws, we've increased penalties, we've encouraged reporting. | |
"That's important to make sure that the whole country, the police and all institutions, are working really hard to root out hatred," he said. | |
He added: "As a Conservative Party, we will never stand for any kind of hatred for any person for any reason and we have to be taking action, significant action." | |
"But I want to make sure that as a party we that we are doing everything we can, and that's why we're also going to have this independent investigation." |