This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2019-50561043
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
General election 2019: Muslim Council criticises Tories over Islamophobia | General election 2019: Muslim Council criticises Tories over Islamophobia |
(32 minutes 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. |
Conservative leader Boris Johnson said party members guilty of Islamophobia "are out first bounce". | Conservative leader Boris Johnson said party members guilty of Islamophobia "are out first bounce". |
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". |
The spokesperson added that the issue was "particularly acute" within the party itself. | |
'Letter boxes' controversy | |
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 - the body which is currently investigating allegations of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party. | |
Speaking to reporters, Mr Johnson said: "If anybody is convicted, if anybody is done for Islamophobia, or any other prejudice or discrimination in the Conservative Party they are out first bounce." | Speaking to reporters, Mr Johnson said: "If anybody is convicted, if anybody is done for Islamophobia, or any other prejudice or discrimination in the Conservative Party they are out first bounce." |
But Mr Johnson has also faced accusations of Islamophobia himself, after he wrote in a newspaper column last year that Muslim women wearing burkas "look like letter boxes". | |
Islamophobia inquiry | |
Also speaking on Tuesday, Chancellor Sajid Javid refused to criticise the prime minister for these remarks, added he had "explained why he's used that language". | |
He said the column from which the quote was taken had defended the rights of Muslim women to "wear what they like", adding: "He's explained that, and I think he's given a perfectly valid explanation." | |
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 party suspended a number of members earlier this month after the Guardian supplied it with a dossier produced by an anonymous Twitter user containing examples of allegedly Islamophobic social media posts. | |
A number of members were also suspended in September, after the BBC highlighted 20 cases to the party of members posting or endorsing Islamophobic material online. |