Exposed: The dirty campaign to paint Muslim MPs as anti-British
Exposed: The dirty campaign to paint Muslim MPs as anti-British
The rise of a charged term
In politics, certain words can unexpectedly gain traction, reshaping public perception. One recent example is the term “sectarian,” which has taken on new significance in British discourse. While not novel, its application has shifted from historical contexts to a specific attack on Muslim politicians.
“Sectarianism is a ‘narrow-minded adherence to a particular sect (political, ethnic, or religious), often leading to conflict with those of different sects or possessing different beliefs.'” — Oxford English Dictionary
Synonyms for the term include “bigot,” “separatist,” “extremist,” and “intolerant.” Previously, it was used to describe rival factions in the Northern Irish conflict. However, over the past 18 months, it has been weaponized to cast British Muslim representatives as threats to national unity.
Targeting Muslim MPs
The term now serves to stigmatise Muslim members of parliament, framing their political involvement as divisive. Prominent figures in the media and politics have amplified this narrative, positioning Muslim MPs as outsiders who challenge British values.
Hansard, the official parliamentary record, reveals the first use of this new interpretation within the House of Commons. In July 2024, Tory peer Lord Godson warned about “rising extremism” and “explicitly communalist appeals” during a debate on the King’s Speech. He accused candidates of “riding this sectarian tiger,” suggesting Muslim representation was a growing danger.
Tory politicians swiftly adopted the term. Robert Jenrick, a leadership contender, later referred to “sectarian gangs” causing disruption. His rival, Kemi Badenoch, condemned MPs elected on “sectarian Islamist politics,” calling them “alien ideas that have no place here.” These attacks directly aimed at the four Muslim independents elected two months prior.
A coordinated attack
Senior Tories have escalated the rhetoric. In October, Jenrick claimed the “House of Commons is being despoiled by these sectarian MPs.” He also described them as “polluting our politics” in a Sun column.
Other voices have joined the chorus. Nigel Farage of Reform UK repeatedly denounced “sectarian politics,” warning of Islamic faith leaders seeking to “overtake the existing culture.” Journalists have echoed this language, with Douglas Murray in The Spectator comparing current tensions to Enoch Powell’s earlier concerns. Murray argued that Powell “understated our current problems,” suggesting a Muslim MP like Ayoub Khan represented a new level of threat.
By linking Muslim MPs to “sectarian” motives, the campaign paints them as bigoted and anti-British. This strategy transforms them from participants in democratic processes into symbols of cultural division. The phrase “enemy within,” once used by Margaret Thatcher against striking workers, now resonates in this context.
