Colonel Richard Kemp

► WE PUBLISHED an article on 11 December 2019 that could have been interpreted as suggesting that Colonel Richard Kemp, the former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan, discriminates personally against Muslims and promotes the hate and intimidation of Muslims. We would like to clarify that neither of these suggestions was intended or is true.

Colonel Kemp has a long and proud record of defending Muslims. He was awarded medals by two Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, for defending their people in 1990 and 1991. He was also awarded a bravery decoration in 1995 by the Queen for risking his own life to protect the lives of inhabitants of a Muslim village in Bosnia, an act that was recognised by the Muslim leader of the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Colonel Kemp has rigorously condemned Islamic extremists who threaten Muslims and non-Muslims alike over many years but has not spoken against Muslims in general.

Our article also suggested that Colonel Kemp was removed from an event in London organised by the group Campaign Against Anti-Semitism because of “Islamophobic” comments he had allegedly made in social media. No comments made by Colonel Kemp could reasonably be interpreted as “Islamophobic” and he was not removed from this event; in fact he withdrew himself due to conflicting commitments.

We would like to apologise to Colonel Kemp for any misunderstanding, damage, distress or embarrassment to him and his family.