Lee Anderson’s Suspension is equal to Labour’s lip service to Muslims

The recent suspension of former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson from the Conservative Party has once again brought to light the Islamophobia card. Anderson’s comments targeting Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, have sparked conversations about the intersection of party politics, minority representation, and foreign policy narratives. Anderson’s remarks, aired on GB News, where he alleged that “Islamists” had gained control over the Mayor of London, are indicative of a concerning trend within British politics. While these comments undoubtedly have the potential to harm Muslims, it is essential to place them within a broader context. 

The inclination to scapegoat minorities, particularly Muslims, for larger geopolitical issues is not a novel occurrence. From historical instances of attributing blame to minorities for domestic and foreign policy shortcomings to recent episodes of divisive rhetoric, the narrative of using minorities as scapegoats is deeply ingrained in British political discourse. 

This trend is evident in the historical record, from Churchill’s espousal of racist views regarding a “higher grade race” to Anderson’s recent comments. It becomes clear to any impartial observer that this issue transcends individual personalities, policies, or party affiliations; it is deeply rooted in the fabric of British politics. Merely having a Muslim mayor, a brown Prime Minister, a woman leading the House of Commons, or a Black individual serving as Secretary of State does not eradicate the presence of anti-Muslim, racist, and sexist sentiments within the British political system. 

However, Muslims shouldn’t be fixated on Lee Anderson’s comments or fixated on the islamophobia card either. Historically, such incidents have prompted shifts in Muslim political allegiances; for instance, Boris Johnson’s remarks likening Muslim women to letterboxes led to a decline in support for the Tories among Muslims, who turned towards the Labour Party. Similarly, the deception surrounding the invasion of Iraq, purportedly based on WMDs, prompted some Muslims to switch from Labour to the Tories. Engaging in a vicious circle of politics will only limit Muslim discourse to “fitting in” in the West. In reality, if any minority’s starting point in any society is to see how best they can fit in, the society from the onset has failed them. 

Gaza has put a rest to this pendulum going from Blue to Red and back to Blue. In reality, there exists a cross-party consensus to support the ongoing bombing in Gaza by the Zionist entity, with little discussion of a ceasefire. Even when the Scottish National Party (SNP) proposed a ceasefire vote, it was obstructed by the Speaker of the House under the pretext of MPs’ safety concerning the Gaza issue. However, the derogatory comments made in the House of Commons against various communities, including women, blacks, Asians, Muslims, and Polish immigrants, were not blocked under the pretext of safety for these groups when faced with parliamentary vitriol. Is the safety of MPs more paramount than that of large-scale communities across Britain? 

Muslims find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place, facing rejection from both the Tories and labour on matters of geopolitical issues that are at the heart of their beliefs and values. This perpetual cycle offers little in terms of political advancement for Muslim communities. Muslims may increasingly advocate for independent candidates in local elections to assert their voices. However, despite efforts to challenge the status quo, recent events in Gaza emphasise that the entrenched positions of the establishment remain unchanged. Regardless of one’s colour, creed, or gender, the red lines of the political establishment appear unyielding, casting doubts on the prospects for any meaningful change even by independents. 

The failure to intervene in the suffering of Gaza’s people exposes a significant gap between the ideals of democracy, human rights, and international law that Britain champions and the practical application of these principles. Despite portraying itself as a bastion of democracy and human rights in the post-World War II era, Britain’s actions often seem more like public relations gestures than genuine efforts to address complex global issues. The ongoing struggle for justice in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the inherent failure within Western political systems when it comes to addressing deeply entrenched and multifaceted challenges on the global stage. 

The ongoing crisis in Gaza has galvanised individuals from diverse backgrounds to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Beyond religious or ethnic affiliations, individuals of various faiths and backgrounds have united in condemning the atrocities committed against the people of Gaza. However, the failure of political institutions to translate this grassroots activism into meaningful change underscores systemic failure within the democratic political system. 

The suspension of Lee Anderson by the Tory party appears to be more of a public relations move than a genuine response to the issue. It’s essential to consider Labour’s silence on the case of Christian Wokeford, particularly in his promotion of Israel-born US musician Gene Simmons. Simmons describes Islam as a “vile culture” that allegedly treated women worse than dogs. According to reports, Simmons claimed that Muslim women were forced to walk behind men, and were denied education and property ownership, while dogs were allowed to walk side by side, have their own houses, and receive an education. Promotion of such comments and the hatred that has come out of numerous politicians’ mouths are not so in a vacuum, such comments come from a soil that has been fertilised with hatred, division and a supremacy culture for the ruling elite. 

The ongoing crisis in Gaza has highlighted the reality of political rhetoric, minority representation, and the global stance on British politics. It underscores the failure to address international conflicts and the incapability of the political system to address the intricate issues that arise. 

In light of the Gaza situation, the Muslim community can glean valuable lessons. Instead of aligning with a flawed political system, there’s a call for sustained advocacy for Gaza. It’s a reminder that the community’s collective voice worries the ruling elite more than merely participating in electoral politics. Muslim activism extends far beyond sporadic engagement; it’s a continuous discourse, addressing issues such as Gaza and challenging government initiatives like Prevent. As with Prevent, no Party or politician would stand with the community against Prevent or the case for Gaza. 

This activism has fostered unity and solidarity within the community, amplifying voices not only on geopolitical matters but also in countering government policies like Prevent, which have faced opposition and critique from within the community. Despite facing resistance from governmental authorities, the unwavering strength of the community’s voice has successfully exposed and thwarted such initiatives, showcasing the resilience and effectiveness of grassroots activism in effecting change.