Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Braverman labels Tory Islamophobia row as ‘hysteria’, demands action

Braverman believes stripping Lee Anderson of his party privileges was an overreaction

Braverman labels Tory Islamophobia row as ‘hysteria’, demands action

FORMER home secretary Suella Braverman has denounced the ongoing controversy surrounding Islamophobia within the Tory party as "hysteria," urging prime minister Rishi Sunak to address Islamist extremism promptly, reported The Telegraph.

Braverman believes stripping Lee Anderson, the former Tory party deputy chairman, of his party privileges was an overreaction to his claims about London mayor Sadiq Khan.


On Monday (26), Braverman urged Sunak to focus on tackling "Islamist extremism in the UK."

"We need to urgently focus now on the big problem: how to tackle Islamist extremism in the UK. The hysteria in response to those calling out the crisis is one of the reasons why we’re not making progress," she wrote on X.

"Language does matter but it’s time for resolute government action. Fixing Prevent as Sir William Shawcross recommends. I started this work. It needs to be completed. Passing a law that empowers ministers to take action against hateful marches. Properly holding the Police to account so they uphold the law without fear or favour."

The dispute over Islamophobia allegations erupted last week when Braverman claimed "Islamists, extremists, and anti-Semites" are now in charge in the country.

Meanwhile, Sunak cautioned against shutting down discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict but didn't label Anderson's remarks as Islamophobic.

Although Labour and the Liberal Democrats urged Sunak to denounce Anderson's comments as Islamophobic, the government prefers the term "anti-Muslim hatred."

Anderson refused to retract his claims, asserting it would show weakness. While some Tory MPs criticised Anderson's comments, others called for a broader debate on Islamist extremism.

In an interview, Anderson referenced areas in London and Birmingham with large Muslim populations, sparking debate. He said that certain individuals misuse religious doctrine to create 'no-go' zones in these areas, which is not in line with true Islamic teachings.

His remarks were swiftly condemned as Islamophobic, with calls for an apology from various quarters.

Ali Milani, the head of the Labour Muslim Network, quickly criticised his remarks as Islamophobic, stating that there are “no Muslim ‘no-go’ areas in this country”.

Andy Street, the Tory mayor of West Midlands, called on those in Westminster to cease making baseless accusations. Meanwhile, Jess Phillips, a Labour representative from Birmingham, demanded an apology for the remarks, particularly as her constituency encompasses part of the Sparkhill area.

The Islamophobia row has also raised questions about handling disagreements over Israel and Gaza, with MPs facing intense scrutiny.

In an interview, Sunak discussed worries that protests supporting Palestine had made the situation chaotic in Parliament.

The prime minister acknowledged concerns about intimidating actions affecting politicians' ability to express their views.

He criticised aggressive tactics like targeting MPs' homes as “incredibly” frustrating and un-British. He also warned hostile protesters that breaking the law would result in severe consequences.

More For You

UK Tourism Growth Hit by Government Policies, Says Travel Body

UK remained one of the world’s most‑visited countries

Getty

Travel body blames government for harming UK tourism growth

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has accused the UK government of “sabotaging” the country’s tourism sector after international visitor spending fell by over £2 billion in 2024 compared with pre‑pandemic levels. In a new WTTC study, visitors to the UK spent £40.3 billion last year—a 5.3 per cent decline on the £42.6 billion recorded in 2019.

The WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, said ministers had made “deliberate policy choices” that erected “barriers to travel” and discouraged high‑value tourists. Policies cited include the removal of tax‑free shopping, rising air passenger duty (APD) rates and the introduction—and subsequent fee increase—of the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme for non‑UK nationals.

Keep ReadingShow less
pope-francis-getty

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Key moments in the life of Pope Francis

POPE FRANCIS, who has died at the age of 88, led the Catholic Church through a period of reform, challenge, and global engagement.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mohammed Shaheeb,

Shaheeb, who was already banned from driving until March 2027, was arrested at the scene. (Photo: West Midlands Police)

West Midlands Police

Man jailed for ramming police vehicles in Birmingham

A MAN has been jailed for 22 weeks after ramming three police vehicles and a civilian car while trying to flee from officers in Birmingham.

Mohammed Shaheeb, 39, was spotted apparently asleep in a parked VW Scirocco with tape over part of the number plate on Montpellier Street on 5 October last year.

Keep ReadingShow less
vaisakhi

The family-friendly event also included a funfair with children's rides and games

iStock

Smethwick comes alive with colour and culture for Vaisakhi celebrations

Smethwick High Street was transformed into a lively hub of colour, music and community spirit as thousands gathered to celebrate Vaisakhi, one of the most significant festivals in the Sikh calendar.

Organised by the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, the event took place on Sunday, 11 May 2025, from 10am to 7pm, covering both the High Street and Victoria Park. The celebration marked the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, a central event in Sikh history.

Keep ReadingShow less
kashmir attack

Indian police officers stand guard at a check point following an attack, near Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

Reuters

Gunmen open fire on tourists in Indian Kashmir, at least 24 dead

AT LEAST 24 people were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday when gunmen opened fire on tourists, a senior police officer told AFP. Authorities said it was the worst attack on civilians in years.

The shooting took place in Pahalgam, a popular summer tourist destination around 90 kilometres from Srinagar. A senior police officer in the region, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the death toll.

Keep ReadingShow less