MP, Labour's Shadow Women and
Equalities Secretary, responding to a Hope Not Hate
poll showing high levels of Islamophobia among Conservative Party
members, said:
"This poll shows that Islamophobia and racism are ingrained among
some Conservative Party members. It is worrying that the people
choosing our next Prime Minister hold these views.
"Boris Johnson has a lot to answer for - both because of his own
record of racism and Islamophobia, including just last year
comparing Muslim women to 'bank robbers' and 'letterboxes', and
because of the likelihood that these Tory Party members will vote
for him as leader. He should be held to account for it and have
the decency to apologise.
"Johnson has already broken his promise on holding an independent
inquiry into Islamophobia in the Conservative Party, but anything
short of that will be an insult to anyone who believes in
fighting racism of all kinds and particularly Muslim communities,
and will compound the hurt and anguish that is already being felt
in our country."
Ends
Notes to editors
- · In an
interview with Sky’s Sophy Ridge, said his article describing
black people as “picanninies” with “watermelon smiles” was
“satirical”. He defended his articles comparing Muslim women to
letterboxes and bank robbers, and describing gay people as
“tank topped bum boys” and said his comments in all of the
articles were taken “out of context”. He refused to apologise.
