Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick has vowed to continue to “fight” for free speech after being reported to the police and the UK's counter-terror programme Prevent over his comments about Islam.
Reform UK's economic spokesman has previously described the “Islamification” of Britain as one of the greatest threats to “our way of life”. After Donald Trump posted that “Islam was wanting to take over a once great country”, the Newark MP said he agreed with the sentiment.
Comments on radical Islam
Speaking on the Dan Wootton Outspoken programme on Tuesday, Mr Jenrick said: “Look, mass migration, the disastrous pursuit of multiculturalism and a willingness to tolerate radical Islam is destroying Europe.
“Radical Islam is a threat to everything that we hold dear in this country. That it has to be fought and destroyed.
“It has to be eradicated from our country. And that we can’t allow the creeping Islamification of the United Kingdom.
“The Islamification of this country is one perhaps the greatest threat to our way of life right now.”
Police submission details
In the police submission, the complainant said Mr Jenrick had supported a statement attributing a desire to “take over” the country - and failing to specifically call out “radical” Islamists.
The complaint called on the police to assess the remarks under Part 3A of the Act and to later approach the Crown Prosecution Service if necessary.
The complainant also asked for Prevent to consider Mr Jenrick's role as an elected official.
Free Speech Union backs Jenrick
Comedian John Cleese was reported to Prevent last week for comments he made about Islam.
Condemning the report, the Free Speech Union said that it backs Mr Jenrick both as an elected politician and a private citizen.
A spokesman said: “We have warned the Government’s Islamophobia definition would chill the ability of elected politicians and private citizens to criticise Islam.
“Ministers repeatedly assured us that the 'anti-Muslim hostility; definition would not silence legitimate criticism of Islam, its history or its practices. Yet here we are. We have been proved repeatedly right.”
Mr Jenrick said: “They reported John Cleese last week, me this week. So they want to bully me? Bring it on.
“An Islamophobia definition will be chilling for free speech.
“I’ll continue to fight it, as I have for many years.”
