Sadiq Khan has accused the former Tory deputy chairman of “pouring fuel on the fire of anti-Muslim hatred” after he said “Islamists” had “got control” of the London mayor.
Mr Khan said the comments by Lee Anderson were Islamophobic and anti-Muslim – and that the message it sends is that Muslims are “fair game” when it comes to racism.
He also said Rishi Sunak and the cabinet were complicit in failing to condemn the controversial remarks.
Speaking on GB News this week, Mr Anderson, an MP for Ashfield, said 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 said: “These comments from a senior Conservative are Islamophobic, are anti-Muslim and are racist.
Highlighting the spike in hate crimes, he said: “These comments pour fuel on the fire of anti-Muslim hatred.
“I am afraid the deafening silence form Rishi Sunak and from the cabinet is them condoning this racism.
“I am afraid it confirms to many people across the country that there’s a hierarchy when it comes 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 are complicit in this sort of racism.
“The message it sends is Muslims are fair game when it comes to racism and anti-Muslim hatred.
“It’s not good enough in 2024 in 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 comment.
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