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A new @hopenothate poll of 1200 Conservative Party members shows how widespread Islamophobia is:
- 58% believe the no-go zones conspiracy theory on Sharia law
- 57% had a negative view of Muslims (vs. <22% for Jews, Sikhs & Hindus) https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/half-of-tories-say-islam-clashes-with-british-life-pzhgn9rhq
- 58% believe the no-go zones conspiracy theory on Sharia law
- 57% had a negative view of Muslims (vs. <22% for Jews, Sikhs & Hindus) https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/half-of-tories-say-islam-clashes-with-british-life-pzhgn9rhq
Of the 55% who see Islam as a threat to our way of life, their reason is:
- 50%: Islam breeds intolerance *and* calls for violence
- 41%: Muslims refuse to integrate
- 41%: Islam promotes physical abuse of women eg grooming gangs
- 22%: Islam seeks to replace the law with Sharia
- 50%: Islam breeds intolerance *and* calls for violence
- 41%: Muslims refuse to integrate
- 41%: Islam promotes physical abuse of women eg grooming gangs
- 22%: Islam seeks to replace the law with Sharia
Despite these shocking views, 79% do not think there is a problem of Islamophobia towards Muslims in the Party, and 74% think the Party is doing all it reasonably can to combat it.
Only 31% of members think discrimination is a problem for Muslims (vs. 62% of the population as a whole).
The types of hate against Muslims found amongst the Conservative Party membership includes basic racism to conspiracy theories.
The @hopenothate dossier compiles 40 examples of cases where prejudiced & discriminatory actions by Conservative Party officials, activists and members have resulted in either short term suspensions or no action at all.
These include 2 sitting MPs Bob Blackman & Sally-Ann Hart
These include 2 sitting MPs Bob Blackman & Sally-Ann Hart
The recommendations by @hopenothate to deal with the embedded culture of Islamophobia in the Party, are:
1. An overhaul of the complaints system
2. Training programme on Islamophobia
3. Greater efforts by leadership to call out Islamophobia & promote positive image of Muslims
1. An overhaul of the complaints system
2. Training programme on Islamophobia
3. Greater efforts by leadership to call out Islamophobia & promote positive image of Muslims
An important finding: 33% of Conservative Party voters (vs. 9/11% of Lab/Lib Sem voters) think it's not wrong to blame all Muslims for the actions of a minority but instead believe "Islamist terrorists reflect a widespread hostility to Britain amongst the Muslim community"
This evidence is being submitted to the Conservative party "investigation" where anyone is able to submit evidence at https://singhinvestigation.co.uk/
The deadline is 17th October.
The deadline is 17th October.
A reminder why this inquiry appears to be a sham https://twitter.com/miqdaad/status/1292354388753813506?s=19
Noting also that the inquiry is apparently not accepting submissions from third parties so unclear what is the basis for @hopenothate submission if not as a third party.
Coverage of these shocking figures demonstrating unequivocally the scale of the culture of Islamophobia embedded in the Party, is thus far limited to The Times, Mail Online and Asian Image. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8787781/Almost-half-Conservative-Party-members-believe-Islam-threat.html
No reports about this (yet) on BBC, other broadcasters, Guardian, Indy, Telegraph, Sun etc.
But this could be because the Times and Mail were given early sight / exclusives?
But this could be because the Times and Mail were given early sight / exclusives?
In any case, I am doubtful the latest proof of the embedded culture of Islamophobia in the *governing party* will receive the coverage it deserves.
Why?
Because for too many, Muslims don't matter, and the Conservatives have the power.
Why?
Because for too many, Muslims don't matter, and the Conservatives have the power.
The full submission and polling tables are available here: https://www.hopenothate.org.uk/2020/09/30/the-deep-roots-of-islamophobia-in-the-conservative-party/