A huge row kicked off on GB News this evening as Lee Anderson’s guests locked horns on multiculturalism.
It comes in the wake of a Labour MP calling for Britain to introduce blasphemy laws – something both trade unionist Andy Twelves and political commentator Amandeep Bhogal agreed should not be introduced.
But Bhogal took it a step further by suggesting those in Britain who do not agree with its cultural values should seek to leave.
The suggestion was branded “ridiculous” by Twelves, but GB News host Lee Anderson appeared to agree with Bhogal.
Lee Anderson and Amandeep Bhogal clashed with Andy Twelves
GB NEWS
“What this Labour MP is asking for is a clampdown on free speech”, he said.
“It won’t happen under this Labour Government, but anyone who asks for this – it’s time for mass deportations.
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“If you don’t align with the values of the United Kingdom, you can clear off.”
Twelves hit back at the “ridiculous” argument, saying it was an “authoritarian suggestion”.
Lee Anderson then waded in to point out Twelves’ roots. Being from Mansfield, the Reform MP felt those from the trade unionist’s hometown would have sympathy with Bhogal’s views.
“I don’t think the people of Mansfield would agree with mass deportations for people who don’t agree with every single value this country has”, Twelves responded.
He continued: “You think back in Mansfield, back in ’84, ’85, one of the British values is respecting authority.
“We had pretty big riots during the miners’ strikes, do you think they should have been deported?”
“What’s that got to do with it?”, Lee responded.
“I think what Amandeep is eluding to is if you come from a different culture and you don’t want to respect our history, heritage, laws and way of life, what the hell are you doing here?”
The matter prompted fierce debate on GB News
GB NEWS
Twelves said the argument was “dog whistle politics”.
It comes after a Labour MP has called for new measures to prohibit the “desecration of religious texts” during Prime Minister’s Questions.
Tahir Ali, who represents Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley, urged action during an exchange with Sir Keir Starmer.
The MP highlighted that the UN Human Rights Council had adopted a resolution condemning the desecration of religious texts, including the Koran.
“Acts of such mindless desecration only serve to fuel division and hatred within our society,” Ali told the Commons.
In response, Starmer said: “Desecration is awful and I think should be condemned across the House.”
The Labour leader added his party was “committed to tackling all forms of hatred and division, including Islamophobia in all its forms.”
Conservative figures have strongly criticised the exchange, with shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick stating on social media: “A Labour MP calls for a law to ban criticism of prophets. Starmer does not rule it out. The answer was simple: Blasphemy laws have no place in the UK.”
Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe echoed this sentiment, saying: “We do not, and must not, have blasphemy laws – regardless of which religion feels offended.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch took a clear stance on the issue, stating simply: “I am against blasphemy laws.”
Policy Exchange’s senior research fellow Lara Brown noted: “Alarmingly Keir Starmer’s response is not a flat out refusal. Blasphemy laws have no place in the UK.”
