February 26, 2024, 19:33 | Updated: February 26, 2024, 19:43
Paul Scully claimed there were “no-go” areas in the city.
Photo: Alamy
A former Tory minister has sparked a new Islamophobic row by claiming there are “no-go zones” in parts of London and Birmingham.
Sutton and team member Paul Scally made the comments in a conversation about Islamophobic sentiment within the Conservative Party following comments from Lee Anderson MP.
The former capital minister said there were several “no-go zones” in areas of London and Birmingham where Muslims lived.
“What I would say is, look at parts of Tower Hamlets, for example, where there are exclusion zones,” he told the BBC.
“There are no-go areas in parts of Birmingham and Sparkhill, but this is primarily because of doctrine, and primarily because it is not Islamic doctrine, people are using their religion and in various ways. It is because of those who abuse it, and because some of these people believe in it.”
“I think that’s a concern that needs to be addressed.”
Mr Scully’s comments sparked a fresh backlash as the Islamophobic debate continues within the Conservative Party over comments made by Lee Anderson.
Paul Scully has caused a new stir.
Photo: Alamy
Mr Anderson lost his Tory whip after claiming London Mayor Sadiq Khan was under the control of “Islamists”.
Reacting to Mr Scully’s comments, Andy Street, the Conservative mayor of the West Midlands, called on Westminster to “stop this nonsense of slurs”.
Writing in X, Street said: “The idea that there are ‘no-go’ areas in Birmingham is new to me and makes me suspicious of the good people of Sparkhill.
“For the people of Westminster, it’s time to stop the nonsense slurs and experience the real world.
“I am proud to lead one of the most diverse places in the UK.”
Meanwhile, Labor MP Jess Phillips, whose constituency includes part of the Sparkhill area of Birmingham, demanded an apology for the comments.
She said: “As a Member of Parliament for Sparkhill, I look forward to an apology for this complete nonsense.
“My kids play at Spark Hill day and night and I’ve never had to worry. I go there every week and live literally a 5 minute walk from there and I I used to live there myself.”
read more: Lee Anderson steps up criticism of Sadiq Khan, but refuses to apologize for ‘Islamist’ comments
read more: Prime Minister Lee Anderson’s comments were ‘grossly wrong’, minister says, as PM denies Conservative Party has ‘Islamophobic tendencies’
Mark Harper: “He shouldn’t have said that and was right to take up the whip.”
A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: ‘These comments are surprising and deeply disappointing. Tower Hamlets is one of the most popular places in the country to live, work and visit.
“Our borough is an iconic place and hosts some of London’s best destinations, from the Yonge V&A and the Tower of London to award-winning Victoria Park and international events such as the London Marathon.
“We have a destination that any city would envy, but what we are most proud of is our people. Tower Hamlets is the epitome of a cosmopolitan city.
“We are an example of how people from all backgrounds get along in one of the most diverse places in the country. In fact, a recent survey of residents found that 87% of people answered that they can get along well with each other.
“From Wapping to Mile End, Bethnal Green to Bow, or Stepney to Spitalfields, every corner of Tower Hamlets is a destination area for millions of people to visit again and again. That’s enough support for us. ”
Miqdad Bershi, a spokesperson for the Islamic Council of Britain, said the term “no-go zone” was “a classic false and Islamophobic metaphor”.
Lee Anderson doubled down on his comments Monday.
Photo: Alamy
Asked whether Rishi Sunak agreed there was a “no-go” area in Birmingham, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson said: ”
In response to the backlash, Scully said in X: “One final word about my response to Lee Anderson’s comments.
“As someone who has stood up and actually defended British Muslims for 10 years, and ended up supporting partition and being seen as being likened to Katie Hopkins, I would like to withdraw from the conversation. I’ll leave it up to both parties to discuss.
“I’ve always said that language matters. So does perception, and nothing is solved if moderates are pushed to one side or the other. They came out.”
This comes after Mr Anderson refused to apologize for his comments about Sadiq Khan on Monday.
The Ashfield councilor admitted his words were “clumsy” but doubled down on his criticism of the London mayor.