A Labour minister repeatedly refused to say if beheading is an "alien culture" during a heated LBC interview. Host Nick Ferrari pressed Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn multiple times as he dodged the question.
Background of the Controversy
The clash came after Mr Benn condemned Traditional Unionist Voice MP Jim Allister for using the term "alien culture" in the Commons earlier this week following a horror stabbing in Belfast. Mr Allister had asked what would be done to stop "the importation of an alien culture that thinks it's appropriate to try and behead someone in the UK."
The Interview Exchange
During the interview, Nick Ferrari repeatedly asked Hilary Benn if beheading is an "alien culture." After being pressed six times, Mr Benn eventually said: "It is alien to all right thinking people." The exchange drew attention on social media, with LBC posting a clip of the interaction.
Conservative Leader's Response
Later on LBC, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch was asked the same question and said: "Yes, it is alien to British culture. I don't want beheadings here."
Parliamentary Exchange
In the Commons, Mr Benn had criticised Mr Allister for using the term "alien culture," saying: "I'm sorry the honourable gentleman used the word alien culture because what exactly is he referring to? What the British people have had enough of, or anyone from wherever they come, whatever their background, who seeks to commit violence on citizens of the UK, that is what we together are strongly opposed to."
