Backlash over MP’s comments
CALDER VALLEY MP Craig Whittaker has been criticised for making comments about the Muslim, BAME and Immigrant population “not taking the pandemic seriously.”
During an interview with LBC host Ian Payne, Mr Whittaker, who has represented the Calder Valley since 2010, said: “What I have seen in my constituency is that there are sections of the community that are not taking the pandemic seriously.”
Mr Payne then asked if he was talking about the Muslim community.
Mr Whittaker replied: “Of course. If you look at the areas where we’ve seen rises and cases, the vast majority - but not by any stretch of the imagination all areas - it is the BAME communities that are not taking this seriously enough.
“I’ve been challenging our local leaders for three weeks, asking what we are doing to target these areas to let people know that this is a very serious problem. Until people take it seriously, we’re not going to get rid of this pandemic.
“We have areas of high multiple occupancy - when you have multiple families living in one household. It doesn’t specifically have to be in the Asian community, but that is the largest proportion.”
Community group Calderdale Against Racism has released an open letter in response, condemning Mr Whittaker’s comments.
In their open letter, the group said: “To single out Muslim and BAME communities for ‘not obeying lockdown rules’ whilst disregarding others flouting the rules such as in our pubs and towns is blatantly racist and we expect to see a public apology for your comments.
“We also call for direct action in support of your local BAME communities.”
Local mosques and community groups have also spoken out against the Conservative MP’s comments.
A spokesperson from Madni Youth Movement said: “In response to the foolish remarks by Craig Whittaker, we’d like to thank the Muslim community of Park Ward for their response to the pandemic.
“We thank you for delivering over 400 food parcels to the people of Calderdale since the start of the pandemic.
“We thank you for the weekly deliveries to those living in care in Calderdale (theoretically, the responsibility of the Council). We thank you for spending the last Eid within the confines of your homes.
“As for you, Mr Whittaker, please advise when you’d like to visit the largest mosque in Calderdale (on any occasion) to see how seriously the Muslim community is actually taking the pandemic. We’d be more than happy to show you around.”
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