Row over Tory MP Robert Jenrick Allahu Akbar arrest call.
Conservative MP Robert Jenrick has defended himself against accusations of Islamophobia for his statement that police should have promptly arrested any protesters shouting Allahu Akbar during the Gaza ceasefire protests last year.
During an appearance on Sky News, the Tory leadership hopeful criticized the police for showing stricter treatment towards far-right marches and violence compared to the pro-Palestinian protests that emerged following the Israel-Hamas conflict in October of the previous year.
A number of Muslim MPs have stated that Mr. Jenrick’s assertion connected all Muslims to extremism and supported violent groups.
However, Mr Jenrick stated that the Arabic expression – which translates to God is great – had been misused by “extremists” to scare individuals.
He said to Sky News that he was upset with the policing of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
In the past, I have been highly critical of the police, especially regarding some police forces’ handling of the protests that began on 7 October.
I believed it was very inappropriate that someone could yell Allahu Akbar in the streets of London and not get arrested right away, chant genocidal messages on Big Ben and not get arrested right away.
“That behavior is incorrect and I will consistently notify the authorities about it.”
Mr Jenrick reiterated his previous statement that he believes “our streets should not be controlled by Islamist extremists”.
When asked for more details, he added: “During that time, there were occasions when we encountered Islamic fundamentalists in our neighborhoods.”
I just provided an instance where someone was literally chanting or shouting Allahu Akbar on Oxford Street.
Former home office minister Mr Jenrick faced criticism from former Conservative party chair Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and Labour MPs Naz Shah and Afzal Khan, as well as others.
Baroness Warsi mentioned in a social media post that, before parliamentary proceedings in the Commons and Lords, they start with a prayer and give praise to God – referring to it as their version of Allahu Akbars in the core of democracy, which includes Robert Jenrick.
“This rhetoric from Jenrick is another example of his typical divisive language – he is so unkind.”
The comments made by Mr Jenrick were referred to as “textbook Islamophobia” by Ms Shah, the MP representing Bradford West.
She argued that his comments were essentially saying that every Muslim worldwide is associated with extremism.
In a post on social media, she expressed disbelief at the idea of being so ignorant or purposely stigmatizing all Muslims in today’s society. He needs to say sorry, engage with Muslim communities, and educate himself about our religion.
Afzal Khan, another Member of Parliament from the Labour Party, remarked: “Every day, we see another high-ranking Conservative showing Islamophobic behavior.”
Allahu Akbar is the Muslim way to say God is great, similar to how hallelujah is used in Christianity. Jenrick’s willingness to appear on national television and advocate for the arrest of those who say Allahu Akbar reveals his underlying bias against Muslims.
Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister, stated that individuals such as Robert Jenrick have been causing some of the issues in our communities.
In reality, our desire is for communities to unite, and most of the community shares that desire.
Mr Jenrick reaffirmed his comments in a subsequent social media update.
He stated that millions of British Muslims peacefully and spiritually say “Allahu Akbar” in their daily lives.
However, the act of repeatedly chanting the phrase by groups of men wearing balaclavas in Birmingham was considered a violation of Section 4 and 5 of the Public Order Act.
A representative for Mr Jenrick stated: “Robert has condemned all forms of unrest in the harshest manner, whether it be from extremist groups on the far-right or as a response to violence from sectarian gangs.
We have not yet witnessed any Labour politician do so. The nation requires bold leadership, not timidity.
However, Baroness Warsi claimed that Mr Jenrick was not telling the truth and demanded an apology from him.
She stated that you cannot appear on national TV and claim something, then act like you actually said a different thing.
Mr Jenrick is competing against five other candidates in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservative Party. He is confronting:
- Kemi Badenoch
- James Cleverly
- Priti Patel
- Mel Stride
- Tom Tugendhat
The announcement of the winner will take place on 2 November.
In other news, see also: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz picked as Kamala Harris running mate.
Row over Tory MP Robert Jenrick Allahu Akbar arrest call.