Home Secretary of the UK Suella Braverman said Douglas Murray, a commentator accused of Islamaphobia, holds “mainstream, insightful and perfectly decent political views.
Braverman’s remarks came during her speech to the members of parliament (MPs) on the progress of the government’s controversial ‘Prevent’ counter-terrorism strategy.
In the same vein, Braverman rejected the inclusion of Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, a fierce supporter of Brexit.
She said: “People like my Right Honorable Friend the Member for North East Somerset and Douglas Murray express mainstream, insightful, and perfectly decent political views.
“People may disagree with them, but in no way are they extremists,” the UK minister added. “Prevent must not risk any perception of disparaging them as such again.”
Murray sparked outrage following a 2006 speech in the Dutch parliament in which he said the “conditions for Muslims in Europe must be made harder across the board.”
He called for the banning of “all immigration into Europe from Muslim countries.” He also suggested that European Muslims who “take part in, plot, assist or condone violence against the West must be forcibly deported to their place of origin.”
Meanwhile, the home secretary’s comments were condemned by Sayeeda Warsi, a Conservative member of the House of Lords.
The former party chairman wrote on social media: “Our country is tragically being ripped apart by arsonists masquerading as patriots – divisive politicians that sow the seeds of discontent and promote culture wars setting our country alight.”
Braverman took over her role as Home Secretary of the UK on 25 October 2022. She had previously held the position from 6 September to 19 October 2022 under Prime Minister Liz Truss.
