Abu Yusra Chowdhury
In a recent Parliamentary session on January 15, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, found himself at the centre of a heated debate, accused of employing ‘Islamophobic tropes’ during discussions on the UK’s decision to strike Ansar Allah (Houthi) targets in Yemen.
The controversy unfolded as Coventry MP Zara Sultana raised concerns about the potential consequences of the UK’s intervention in Yemen, a region plagued by instability compounded by Israel’s operations in Gaza.
Sultana questioned the Prime Minister’s approach, suggesting that endorsing Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and risking a broader conflict could be detrimental. Instead, she implored Sunak to advocate for de-escalation and an immediate ceasefire.
However, Sunak’s response took a controversial turn, as he remarked, “Perhaps the honourable Lady would do well to call on Hamas and the Houthis to de-escalate the situation.”
This statement prompted immediate support, with fellow Conservative MP Andrew Percy emphasising concerns about holding terrorists accountable for acts against Jewish people.
This prompted a backlash, with Labour MP Naz Shah describing the Prime Minister’s remark as “Islamophobic” and asking Sunak to apologise.
Shah said, “It is unacceptable for British Jews to be held responsible for the actions of Israel as a Government, as is the idea that they can have any effect on the Israeli Prime Minister or his Cabinet
In the same vein, given the rise of Islamophobia, it has been a new low and a painful blow today for the Prime Minister to say to a British Muslim in this House (Zarah Sultana) that she should tell Hamas and the Houthis to stop doing what they are doing.
That is an Islamophobic trope. Maybe the Prime Minister will reflect, withdraw, and take the opportunity to show leadership and apologise.”
In a Point of Order, Sultana criticised both the Prime Minister and Percy for implying that she was giving a “free pass” to terrorists and affirmed her call for a de-escalation in the region and an immediate ceasefire.
She demanded an apology from Percy, stating that “his gross accusation plays to a racist trope by implying that, because I am a Muslim, I support Hamas. With rising Islamophobia and racist tropes asking British Muslims to prove their loyalty.”
Despite the mounting criticism, neither Percy nor Sunak issued an apology or acknowledged the hurt caused. Percy defended his remarks, asserting they were not directed at Sultana specifically. Sunak, in turn, maintained his position, urging MPs not to conflate conflicts while emphasising the roles of Hamas and the Houthis as instigators of violence.
The clash between Sultana and the Prime Minister unfolded against the backdrop of the UK’s consistent support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, even as the international community increasingly scrutinises these actions.
Earlier, the UK stood by Israel’s side as South Africa presented damning evidence in a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This support persisted, despite Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron hinting at potential breaches of international humanitarian law by Israel in testimony to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee on January 9.
The controversy surrounding Sultana’s confrontation with the Prime Minister is compounded by her previous revelations of Islamophobic abuse in Parliament in 2021.
In Parliament today, the Prime Minister and then a Tory MP invoked Islamophobic tropes against me.
Rishi Sunak suggested I was responsible for Hamas and the Houthis. A Tory MP then implied I was "giving a free pass to terrorists" before pretending he hadn't.
Watch for yourself: pic.twitter.com/GSaaOrnIGU
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) January 15, 2024
In a poignant speech during a debate on the definition of Islamophobia—a definition the government and Conservative Party have refused to endorse—Sultana disclosed the torrent of abuse she received, including being labelled the ‘scum of the earth’ and a ‘terrorist sympathiser.’
The current escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict since October 7, 2023, has seen a disturbing seven-fold increase in recorded Islamophobic hate crimes.
This surge is reflected not only in personal attacks directed at Muslim public figures but also in the broader societal challenges faced by those associated with them.
Parliament this month also debated the potential defunding of the Interfaith Network, an organisation founded in 1987 with a record of fostering cooperation and understanding between faiths at local and national levels.
The debate arose following news stories suggesting that the Department for Levelling Up, the government ministry responsible for funding the network, was reportedly disappointed by the Interfaith Network’s alleged failure to condemn Hamas—a trope like that experienced by Sultana and other public figures.
At the start of 2024, the Prime Minister confirmed that a general election would take place by the end of the year. For many, the clash between Zara Sultana and Rishi Sunak could be seen as a symbolic reflection of the Conservative Party’s troubled relationship with Muslim communities since it came to office in 2010.
Photo 1: PM Rishi Sunak is accused of using an ‘Islamophobic trope’ during a Commons debate (Credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor)
Photo 2: Coventry South MP Zarah Sultana, ictured seated left of Apsana Begum MP standing, during a Commons debate titled Debate on Defending the UK and our allies in a more dangerous world on January 15. (Credit: UK Parliament/Maria Unger)
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