Two men given 32-month sentences as judge says they formed part of ‘utterly lawless mob’
Labour’s policing minister Diana Johnson has said that MPs have a responsibility for “being moderate in their language” after being asked about Robert Jenrick’s comments yesterday.
Jenrick, who is one of those contesting the leadership of the Conservative party sparked criticism when he said “I thought it was quite wrong, that somebody could shout about Allahu Akbar out on the streets of London and not be immediately arrested”. While the phrase has been associated with Islamist terrorism, it is simply the Arabic for “God is great”, and is used every day by Muslims in prayers.
I think all politicians at this stage need to be very careful about the language that they use. The country over the last few days, you know, the terrible events in Southport, I think the country has been very shocked by that tragic event and then the public disorder that we’ve seen.
So I think all politicians have a role in being moderate in their language, supporting the police, and speaking on behalf of the law abiding majority in this country. That’s what I would say all politicians should be doing at this stage.