Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Tories slammed for reinstating councillor who made anti-Muslim comments

THE Conservative Party has been slammed for reinstating a councillor who had made a series of Islamophobic comments.

Councillor David Abbot was suspended in April for making Islamophobic statements in Facebook groups. But on the Houghton Regis Town Council website, he is listed as a ‘Conservative’.


Abbot had reportedly referred to British Muslims as Mohammedans, and in a post said: ‘Moslems are commanded to do everything in their power, including killing, to rid the world of every person who does not follow Islam.’

In a Jacob Rees-Mogg Supporters Group page, which is not officially affiliated with Rees-Mogg, Abbott posted: “The philosophy seems to be “breed for Islam”, thus the percentage of the population who follow the “religion of peace” will significantly increase.”

A spokesperson for The Muslim Council of Britain said the Conservative Party was condoning Abbot’s views by readmitting him into the party.

“David Abbott’s comments were offensive and divisive under any circumstance,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

“We have seen little evidence of contrition. By readmitting him into the fold, the Conservatives are effectively condoning his views.

“The secrecy behind this move is a testament to how wrong the Tories are on this matter.”

They spokesperson also called for an independent inquiry into Islamophobia within the party.

“The Conservative’s longstanding affiliation with Islamophobia is severely problematic for British Muslims, particularly at election time,” the spokesperson said, adding: “The Conservative Party must not reinstate David Abbott’s membership, and must launch a standalone, independent inquiry into Islamophobia which it is so deeply plagued with.”

This comes just days after the Tories were accused of allowing another candidate to stand in the upcoming general election, despite knowing that she had in the past made Islamophobic statements.

Anjana Patel, who is the Conservative Party’s parliamentary candidate in Brent North, sent a tweet to Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai demanding "how are you going to help?" when Hindu girls were abducted by extremists and allegedly "molested and forcibly converted" to Islam.

The tweet, since deleted, added: "The world should know about this barbaric act by Islamists. Don't block me."

More For You

Air India flight crash
Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.
Getty Images

Air India crash probe finds fuel to engines was cut off before impact

Highlights

 
     
  • Fuel to both engines of the Air India flight was cut off seconds before the crash
  •  
  • A pilot was heard questioning the other over the cut-off; both denied initiating it.
  •  
  • The Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people.
  •  
  • Investigators are focusing on fuel switch movement; full analysis may take months.

FUEL control switches to both engines of the Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff were moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position seconds before the crash, according to a preliminary investigation report released early Saturday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chinese vessel tracked in Bay of Bengal after disabling identification system

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have consistently reported Chinese research vessel presence. (Representational image: Getty Images)

Chinese vessel tracked in Bay of Bengal after disabling identification system

A Chinese research vessel was detected operating in the Bay of Bengal near Indian waters while attempting to conceal its presence by disabling its Automatic Identification System (AIS), according to a report by The Economic Times, citing French maritime intelligence firm Unseenlabs.

The French company conducted a 16-day satellite-based survey tracking ships through radio frequency emissions. It monitored 1,897 vessels, with 9.6 per cent showing no AIS activity, indicating attempts to avoid detection. The survey raised concerns amid increased Chinese activity in the region.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asian-inspired garden earns
five awards at Hampton Court

(From left) Malcolm Anderson (RHS, head of sustainability) Clare Matterson (RHS director general), Lorraine Bishton (Subaru UK and Ireland, managing director) Andrew Ball (director, Big Fish Landscapes) Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Mathews with the medals

Asian-inspired garden earns five awards at Hampton Court

BRITISH Asians are being encouraged to take up gardening by a couple who have won a record five medals at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.

“It’s a contemporary reimagining of a traditional walled garden, highlighting the British and Irish rainforests,” said Jewlsy Mathews, who was born in Britain of parents from Kerala, a southern Indian state known for its lush vegetation.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk weather

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England

iStock

England faces widespread heat alerts and hosepipe bans amid rising temperatures

Highlights:

  • Amber heat health alerts in place for large parts of England
  • Hosepipe bans announced in Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex
  • Temperatures could reach 33°C over the weekend
  • Health risks rise, especially for elderly and vulnerable groups

Heat warnings in effect as UK braces for another hot weekend

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England, with temperatures expected to climb to 33°C in some areas over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activated the warning at 12 pm on Friday, with it set to remain in place until 9 am on Monday.

The alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, East of England, and London. Additional yellow alerts were issued for the north-east, north-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber, starting from midday Friday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Essex ladybird invasion

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear

Dee-anne Markiewicz / SWNS

Swarms of ladybirds invade Essex coastline amid soaring temperatures

Highlights:

  • Ladybird swarms reported across Essex and Suffolk coastal towns
  • Hot weather likely driving the sudden surge in population
  • Sightings include Point Clear, Shoebury, Clacton and Felixstowe
  • Similar outbreaks occurred in 1976 during another hot UK summer

Sudden surge in ladybird numbers across the southeast

Millions of ladybirds have been spotted swarming towns and villages along the Essex coast, with similar sightings stretching into Suffolk. Residents have reported unusually high numbers of the red and black-spotted insects, particularly near coastal areas, with the recent hot weather believed to be a major contributing factor.

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear, a village near St Osyth in Essex, where the insects could be seen piling on top of each other on driftwood and plants.

Keep ReadingShow less