After Lee Anderson’s “Islamophobic” comments about London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, right-wing party Reform UK’s leader has publicly defended the remarks and slated the Tories in the process.
Right-Wing Richard Tice Defends Lee Anderson’s Suspension
Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, the right-wing political party, has strongly supported Lee Anderson regarding his comments made about the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Controversial Comments by Lee Anderson
Lee Anderson, the former deputy chairman of the Tory party, was suspended after making comments alleging that “Islamists” had taken control in London.
Anderson’s Accusations of Sadiq Khan
According to Lee Anderson, Sadiq Khan has “given our capital city away to his mates” and insisted that “Islamists” have “got control of Khan, and they’ve got control of London.”
Anderson’s Comments Draw Criticism
The comments have come under fire from Labour, Lib Dem and former Tory MPs, but the leader of Reform UK has claimed Anderson is resonating with their followers.
Tice’s Defense and Accusations
Tice claimed “The truth is that Lee speaks for millions of people who are appalled by what is happening to our country,” admitting that a lot of people had been asking him for his views on the matter.
Tice Accuses Police of Failing Their Jobs
Tice accused the authorities of failing to maintain law and order, and “lost control of our streets” referencing a recent incident where an antisemitic slogan was projected onto the Houses of Parliament.
“Gutless” Government and Mayor
Tice called the government “gutless” and said that together with Sadiq Khan, contributed to the “shocking illustration of the breakdown of law and order,” due to the incident.
Khan “Failed” London’s Security
“In his role as London’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sadiq Khan is responsible for London’s security,” Tice claimed, saying that Khan had “failed in that capacity.”
Farage Attempts to Sway Anderson
Former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage insisted that Reform UK could “destroy” the Tories, defending Anderson’s comments and even suggesting he join the controversial party.
UK’s Rise in Discrimination
There has been an increase in both Islamophobic and Anti-Semitic incidents in the UK since the October 7th attacks, which Khan recognized in his response to Anderson’s comments about him.
Khan Slams Anderson’s Comments
According to Sadiq Khan, comments from Anderson were “Islamophobic, racist, and anti-Islam” which are contributing to the “330%” rise in Islamophobic hate crimes in the UK since last October.
“Clumsy” but “Supported by Millions”
According to Tice, Anderson’s choice of words was “clumsy” but “his sentiments are supported by millions of British citizens, including myself,” claiming that the “left-leaning establishment” is “out of touch with ordinary people.”
Labour MP Calls Anderson “Racist”
Labour MP Anneliese Dodds said that Anderson’s comments were “unambiguously racist and Islamophobic” and called Rishi Sunak to “remove the whip,” or else people will see that the Conservative Party leans towards racist behavior.
Lib Dem Leader Condemns Comments
Lib Dem Leader Daisy Cooper said “These comments from a Conservative MP are despicable,” and that Rishi Sunak should remove the Conservative whip,” saying there is no place for comments like this in parliament.
Former Tory MPs Speak Out
Former Tory MP Gavin Barwell said that Anderson’s comments were a “despicable slur” against Khan and Tory peer Baroness Warsi said they revealed the “rot at the heart” of the modern Conservative Party.
Prime Minister’s Response
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took a weekend to decide how to respond, deciding to claim that Anderson’s words were “wrong” but not specifically saying whether he thinks they’re racist or Islamophobic.
Sunak Defends Tory Racism Claim
When questioned whether the Conservative Party had issues regarding Islamophobia, the Prime Minister responded with a flat, “no, of course it doesn’t.”
Deputy PM Defends Anderson
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden suggested that Anderson chose the wrong words, but ultimately believed that Anderson was not a racist person.
Anderson Echoes Home Secretary
Anderson’s comments came after former Home Secretary Suella Braverman claimed that “Islamists” had taken control of the UK, which Dowden also attempted to defend.
Insight Into Reform
Reform UK are a continuation of the right-wing party UKIP which was also led by Nigel Farage, with Tice’s comments being a window into the views of the lesser-known Reform Party.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Martin Suker.