Where is Rishi Sunak’s backbone? His MPs need disciplining

It has been a dark time in our politics.

Hatred is rearing its ugly head again, while an emboldened far-right is threatening harassment and violence. 

Personally, I have sought extra police support due to the far-right abuse I have suffered.

And this time, the recent spate of Islamophobia and bigoted abuse is, in my view, inspired and unleashed in part by conspiracy theories, racism and Islamophobic hate peddled by Members of Parliament.

It has shocked and appalled me that not one, not two but three very senior Conservative MPs, including those with experience at the top of government, have expressed offensive comments. 

It has made me wonder, what has happened to our politics that such conspiracy theories and views can be expressed so openly and brazenly by the people who are supposed to represent everyone? 

By now, I’m sure you’ll have read about Lee Anderson, former Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, saying that Islamists had ‘got control’ of Muslim London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Labour leader Keir Starmer. 

That came after Suella Braverman, the former Home Secretary, wrote that ‘Islamists’ are in charge of Britain now.

All this while Liz Truss, former Prime Minister, appeared in a US interview with far-right conspiracy theorist Steve Bannon and claimed a ‘radical jihadist party’ could soon send someone to Parliament. 

As the Muslim Council of Britain rightly said: ‘There is no radical Islamic party – this is false and Islamophobic to play to this trope of Muslims taking over’.

These comments from senior Tories are vile and, I believe, Islamophobic. They have no place in our politics or society. And they have endangered all of us by opening wide the doors to the far-right.  

I welcome that, eventually, the Prime Minister withdrew the whip from Lee Anderson for his comments – but why hasn’t the Government done the same for Braverman and Truss?

I believe he fears the other two more than Anderson. This shows his weakness and proves he is prioritising his political survival as Prime Minister over doing what’s right.

When I called out Anderson’s comments on social media, I received a barrage of horrendous abuse. It shows the dangers of what happens when trolls feel emboldened by senior politicians.

Frankly, I need the support of the government, but it hasn’t been forthcoming. 

I asked a question to the Home Office, raised a point of order – which is an appeal to the Speaker for a ruling on a matter of procedure – and tried to get the backing of the Prime Minister, to no avail. 

So, I have now tabled my own motion in Parliament, which calls for the whip to be removed from those MPs.

The fact is, you cannot be selective when it comes to tackling Islamophobia. It is clear the Conservatives have a blind spot on this issue. 

In a letter I sent to Rishi Sunak three months ago, I praised the Autumn Statement for providing more funding to tackle antisemitism – but questioned why there was no mention of increased funding to tackle Islamophobia. 

I also asked him why the government post of independent adviser on Islamophobia was vacant. Three months on, he hasn’t replied.

Sunak’s lack of response, in addition to the inconsistent treatment of his MPs for vile comments, only adds to my serious concerns. 

I believe this behaviour is a deliberate attempt by the Tories to play political games, by emboldening the far-right and trying to fight the upcoming election on culture war and anti-woke issues rather than their record. 

To unleash this amount of hatred and abuse is dangerous and irresponsible – but it seems they want to use this division for their own political ends. 

They are fuelling this fire thinking they won’t get burnt – but it affects us all.

I know from bitter experience that MPs need protection but I caution against MPs’ safety and security being weaponised. 

For example, some on the right are calling for a clamp down on protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

This is not how a functioning democracy works. Safety issues are vital, but not at the cost of shutting down the peaceful right to protest.

A Conservative colleague in Parliament, Baroness Warsi, shared her thoughts so eloquently this week. 

She said ‘Culture wars have consequences. Divisive politics have consequences. Political posturing has consequences. Peddling conspiracy theories has consequences.’ 

And I agree – but it seems the Prime Minister is reluctant to take action on those senior members of his party peddling those very divisions. 

It is time to unite against hatred, to tackle the growing dangerous threat of the far-right, and to celebrate our openness and our diversity. 

Because it is that diversity and the rich contributions of everyone from all backgrounds, which makes our country so great.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

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