Deputy Prime Minister refutes accusations of Islamophobia against Anderson after his suspension
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden stated that MP Lee Anderson would not have been suspended if he had apologized for his remarks. He also mentioned that Suella Braverman has not crossed a line where she should apologize.
Oliver Dowden has refuted claims that MP Lee Anderson is Islamophobic after the Conservative Party suspended him for comments deemed “Islamist.”
Dowden mentioned that Anderson could have retained his Conservative whip had he apologized and emphasized the importance of not losing sight of the issue of anti-Semitic violence and intimidation amidst the controversy.
He also defended Suella Braverman’s recent comments, stating that he does not believe she needs to apologize for them.
This follows calls from the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) for an investigation into alleged “institutional” Islamophobia within the Conservative Party and demands from Labour to suspend Liz Truss’s whip over her statements.
When appearing on GB News, Anderson made inflammatory statements about Islamists controlling Sadiq Khan, London, and Keir Starmer.
The deputy prime minister defended Anderson, stating that he did not believe the remarks were Islamophobic but noted the importance of words and an apology.
Dowden also addressed the issue of Braverman’s comments, indicating they were more general observations and did not warrant an apology.
He stressed the need to address the rise in violence and intimidation, particularly targeting Jewish individuals, and emphasized the seriousness of recent events in Parliament.
Amidst ongoing protests, Dowden expressed understanding but cautioned against total bans on freedom of expression.
