Leading Candidate for Anti-Extremism Position Resigns Following Harassment
Fiyaz Mughal, who was set to lead the anti-Islamophobia efforts, has withdrawn due to online abuse.
The leading candidate to head the government’s campaign against Islamophobia has stepped back because of the excessive abuse he has faced.
Fiyaz Mughal, the founder of Tell MAMA, an organization that fights against Islamophobia, mentioned that the abuse intensified when his name was connected to the role, stating, “I couldn’t tolerate it any longer.”
Downing Street condemned the mistreatment Mr. Mughal endured.
The prime minister’s spokesperson stated on Monday, “The reported abuse that the individual you mention suffered is clearly unacceptable and highlights why we must address those who use hatred and intimidation to impact our democratic processes.”
Mr. Mughal, who withdrew from the process on Friday, expressed doubts about the government’s dedication to the task, given that his role required only two days a month.
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Mr. Mughal expressed, “They expected me to act as the mediator between Muslim communities and the government. That requires consistent engagement out in the field. They wanted me to do it for two days at £540. So for £1,080, which I could earn while on unemployment benefits, they expect me to put myself right in the middle of it. How seriously are they taking this issue?”
“I’m frustrated because the government has been asking for decades, ‘where are the British Muslims speaking out?’ When we do speak out, we are left on our own. The repercussions on our personal and professional lives are significant,” he added.
Later this week, Communities Secretary Michael Gove is expected to unveil a new government definition of extremism.
Mr. Anderson was suspended by the Tories after suggesting in a GB News discussion that “Islamists” controlled London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Sir Keir Starmer, stating, “I don’t actually believe that the Islamists have control of our country, but I do believe they have control of Khan and London, and they also have control of Starmer.”
Home Office to Spend £117 Million Protecting Muslims
On Monday, the Home Office announced plans to allocate £117 million in public funds to safeguard mosques, Muslim schools, and community centers from attacks over the next four years.
Home Secretary James Cleverly mentioned that the money will be used for CCTV cameras and fences to provide “reassurance and confidence to UK Muslims.”
This amount surpasses the £70 million given to Jewish groups following a rise in anti-Semitism during the Israel–Hamas conflict on Oct. 7.
On Monday, three former home secretaries—Dame Priti Patel, Sir Sajid Javid, and Amber Rudd—joined others in calling on both the Conservatives and Labour to collaborate for a comprehensive response to both Islamists and the far-right.
Security minister Tom Tugendhat responded by stating to Sky News, “We’re ensuring that extremism doesn’t spread hatred in our community. Of course, we need ideas and challenges to thought, but we also need to ensure the safety of people in our country and prevent them from being led towards radicalization.”
PA Media contributed to this report.
