FORMER Corrie star turned Batley MP was slammed by Labour bigwigs after blaming the teacher at the centre of a row over free speech.
Tracy Brabin MP for Batley and Spen was forced to change her statement on the row after blaming the teacher and praising the school for cowering to Islamic extremists who called for an apology and the firing of the teacher.
She said that the “upset and offence” caused by the cartoon was “understandable but also predictable”.
The MP then pinned the blame on those “seeking to fan the flames” of the issue, despite Britain being a free-country with free-speech protections.
Andrea Jenkyns, Conservative MP for Morley and Outwood, said it was “deeply disappointing” that it “took so long” for Ms Brabin to acknowledge that intimidation and threats to school staff should not be tolerated.
EDUCATION MINISTER BACKS BATLEY TEACHER
TORY Education Secretary Gavin Williamson hit back at the mob and said that the protests by Islamists outside the school were “completely unacceptable”.
He backed freedom of speech and expression and said teachers “were allowed” to expose pupils to “challenging or controversial” issues.
“Schools are free to include a full range of issues, ideas and materials in their curriculum, including where they are challenging or controversial, subject to their obligations to ensure political balance.” said Williamson.
“They must balance this with the need to promote respect and tolerance between people of different faiths and beliefs, including in deciding which materials to use in the classroom.” added the Education Secretary.
JAIL BRITS WHO OFFEND MUSLIMS, SAYS GOV’T ADVISOR
BRITS who mock Islam and the Prophet Mohammad should face the same fate as those who are racist towards Black people, a leading Government expert on Islamophobia has claimed.
Islamic Imam Qari Asim MBE, who is chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB), and the British Government’s adviser on Islamophobia, called for the “change in social attitudes”.
He also says that those who mock a religion should be treated like those who “use the ‘n-word’” in a plan that will obliterate the UK’s commitment to free speech and Western values.
The comments came as Jihadi protesters broke Corona and social distancing regulations to gather outside a school in which a Religious Education teacher mocked the Prophet, Mohammed.
FREE THE BATLEY ONE
UKIP has called for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended Batley school teacher facing death threats and protests by Islamic Extremists after mocking the Prophet Mohammad.
UKIP’s Free Speech Spokesman, Jon Holbrook has come out in support of the teacher suspended from his school for showing cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, branding the school “pathetic appeasers”.
A teacher at Batley Grammar School in West Yorkshire have suspended an RE teacher following a protest of angry Muslim parents outside the school gates.
The teacher had allegedly shown a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad during a lesson on blasphemy.
Commenting today, Mr Holbrook said: “This is an outrageous attack on free speech and expression. It is appalling that a teacher has been forced into hiding with police protection simply for showing a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad.
“Batley Grammar School’s response has been nothing short of pathetic appeasement to the unassimilated mob.
“We are supposed to live in a free country, but the response by the school and police speaks volumes to the contrary.
“This is just another battle in the ensuing culture war which is threatening the very fabric of British society. It is clear, now more than ever, that multiculturalism has failed.
“I call on Batley Grammar School to reinstate the suspended teacher and withdraw head teacher Gary Kibble’s craven apology.
“UKIP stands with the Batley teacher.”