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."