Christian Concern's Director of Islamic Affairs, Tim Dieppe, comments on Sadiq Khan's candidacy for London Mayor:
Nearly a decade ago, Melanie Phillips' bestselling book "Londonistan" highlighted the spread of radical Islam within the UK, and in London in particular. The situation has only deteriorated since then with London seeking to become a global player in sharia finance, Londoners such as 'Jihadi John' leaving to join the Islamic State, and stories of sharia patrols in some areas of London. Earlier this month, Trevor Phillips, former head of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, analysed a comprehensive survey of British Muslims and concluded that "integration of Muslims will probably be the hardest task we've ever faced". The survey highlighted the segregation of Muslim communities which collectively refuse to integrate, and become hotbeds for radical Islam.
Unless there is a significant change between now and May 5th, Sadiq Khan looks set to become the new Mayor of London. It is well known that he is a Muslim who is devout in his adherence to the faith. His links with Islamic extremists have been well documented over the last several weeks, though he vehemently denies any sympathy with radical Islam, and he attracted death threats from some Muslims as a result of his vote in favour of same-sex 'marriage' as an MP.
I agree with Trevor Phillips that integration of Muslims is a tough challenge and also an urgent one. Based on Sadiq Khan's track record, I think the situation will deteriorate further if he becomes mayor. Let's look at some of his past actions:
- Khan has written a 'how to' guide for people wanting to sue the police for damages. This guide advised readers that they could secure payouts of up to £10,000 from forces by alleging racist behaviour or claiming wrongful arrest.
- Khan wrote to the Guardian in the wake of the 7/7 attacks blaming government foreign policy for terrorism.
- Khan represented Louis Farrakhan in his bid to have a ban on him entering the U.K overturned - a ban that had been upheld by successive Home Secretaries since 1986. According to the BBC, Farrakhan has described Judaism as "a gutter religion", characterised Christianity as an oppressive faith linked to the slavery of black people and called Adolf Hitler "great", although he said later that he had meant "wickedly great". Khan argued that "He [Farrakhan] is preaching a message of self-discipline, self-reliance, atonement and responsibility."
- In 2004, Khan said: "There are some... uncontroversial areas of Islamic law which could easily be applied to the legal system... in the UK."
- In 2004, Khan shared a platform with five Islamic extremists at an event with segregated seating for men and women.
- In 2007, Khan questioned the need to criminalise forced marriage when other remedies existed, calling it "ghetto" legislation that would reinforce the stereotyping of Muslims.
I am not aware that he has ever retracted any of these statements or apologised for these actions. His previous conduct betrays him as someone who will not promote the integration of Muslims into British society. Quite the contrary, I would expect Khan to defend Islamic segregation and the rights of Muslims to adhere to Islamic 'cultural values'. Particularly concerning are his encouragement of suing the police for racism, and his speaking out in favour of incorporating some aspects of sharia law into our legal system. It is hard to see Khan supporting the police being more proactive in upholding the law in areas with high Muslim populations. As Daniel Johnson writes, "In policing, Khan is far more likely to attach weight to the 'sensitivities' of Muslim community leaders than to put pressure on those communities to eradicate radicalisation." Knowing they lack political support, the police are likely to continue in their politically correct ways, with disastrous results. Fear of causing offence will rule. We have already seen some of the effects of such politically correct policing in Rotherham, Rochdale, Oxford and other cities where Islamic rape gangs have been allowed to run riot, with the police terrified of being called racist.
Mollenbeck in Brussels has become a notorious hotbed of Islamic radicalism. Tower Hamlets in London is heading the same way. With Khan in charge we can only expect an increase of Islamic segregation in London leading to increased radicalisation. Even if there was a major terrorist attack I doubt if he would take appropriate action. Whilst I also have reservations about the other mayoral candidates, I see the issue of tacking Islamic segregation as one of our highest priorities if we are to stem the rising tide of Islamic extremism in the UK. With Khan in charge, London will increasingly become Londonistan.
Related Links:
What do British Muslims really think? (Times £)
Ministers attack Khan for views on sharia justice (Sunday Times £)
The Spectre Of Mayor Khan's Islamist London (Standpoint)
Would you vote for mayoral candidate who wrote 'how to sue the cops' guide... or the one who wanted a global crash to cut pollution? (Mail)
Sadiq Khan 'isn't fit to be Mayor of London because of his links to extremists', declares Theresa May as a string of senior Tories turn up heat on Labour candidate (Mail)
UK: "The Islamic Republic of Tower Hamlets" (Gatestone Institute)