Sadiq Khan has accused the previous Tory deputy chairman of “pouring fuel on the fire of anti-Muslim hatred” after he mentioned “Islamists” had “got control” of the London mayor.
Mr Khan mentioned the feedback by Lee Anderson had been Islamophobic and anti-Muslim – and that the message it sends is that Muslims are “fair game” relating to racism.
He additionally mentioned Rishi Sunak and the cupboard had been complicit in failing to sentence the controversial remarks.
Speaking on GB News this week, Mr Anderson, an MP for Ashfield, mentioned the Mayor of London had given the capital “away” to his “mates”.
He went on to say that he believes “Islamists” have “control” of Mr Khan and London.
But responding, Mr Khan mentioned: “These comments from a senior Conservative are Islamophobic, are anti-Muslim and are racist.
Highlighting the spike in hate crimes, he said: “These feedback pour gas on the fireplace of anti-Muslim hatred.
“I am afraid the deafening silence form Rishi Sunak and from the cabinet is them condoning this racism.
“I’m afraid it confirms to many individuals throughout the nation that there is a hierarchy relating to racism.”
He added: “I am unclear why Rishi Sunak, why members of his cabinet aren’t calling this out and aren’t condemning this.
“It’s like they’re complicit on this type of racism.
“The message it sends is Muslims are fair game when it comes to racism and anti-Muslim hatred.
“It’s not adequate in 2024 within the United Kingdom.”
The Labour Party has written to the prime minister calling for the whip to be removed from Mr Anderson, which would mean he would sit as an independent MP rather than a Conservative.
Labour’s shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said Mr Anderson had engaged in “outright racism and Islamophobia”, while ex-Tory MP Gavin Barwell said Mr Anderson was spreading “hate and division”.
Sky News have approached Mr Anderson for remark.
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