British MPs back action over 'Muslim problem' article

By Ilker Girit

ISTANBUL (AA) - Over a hundred British lawmakers have lent their support to a joint complaint filed by a number of religious and anti-Islamophobia groups over an article in a U.K. tabloid accused of using Nazi-like language.

In an open letter organized by Labour MP Naz Shah and signed by 107 lawmakers, Sun columnist Trevor Kavanagh’s Aug. 13 piece was accused of “hate and bigotry”.

The MPs say the article -- which made a reference to the U.K.’s “Muslim problem” -- was "intentionally comparing Muslims to 'The Jewish Problem', a phrase used in the last century, to which the Nazis responded with 'The Final Solution'- the holocaust".

Tottenham MP David Lammy on Wednesday tweeted: "Proud to have signed this letter and wholeheartedly support Naz Shah in leading on this. Absolutely no place for this in our society." Fellow Labour MP Luke Pollard said: "It's 2017 and there's no place for this language in our society."

The Board of Deputies of British Jews and anti-Islamophobia group Tell MAMA were among those who complained about Kavanagh's article to the U.K.’s Independent Press Standards Organisation.

The article in question was still on The Sun’s website as of Wednesday.