The last independent government adviser on Islamophobia, Imam Qari Asim, said it was “disappointing” that top Conservatives would not characterize the remarks made by the Ashfield MP as Islamophobic.
The interview takes place as pressure mounts on the prime minister to name a new advisor in the wake of Mr. Anderson’s remarks.
Last Saturday, he was suspended from the Conservative Party for his refusal to retract statements he had made alleging that Labour mayor Sadiq Khan had “given our capital city away to his mates” and that “Islamists” had gained “control” of London.
Ministers have widely denounced the comments, but both Rishi Sunak and them have consistently refused to label them as Islamophobic.
Former Tory minister Rehman Chishti criticized the prime minister for neglecting to recruit an impartial adviser since taking office, telling News’ Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge that an independent adviser should make the decision about how to categorize the comments rather than politicians.
