A Conservative MP sensibly suggests that this week’s killing in Woolwich was not terrorism
In the days since the terrible murder of Lee Rigby, 25, in Woolwich, the BNP, the EDL and other racists have leapt on the description of it as “terrorism”.
Alec Shelbourne MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to Northern Ireland Minister Mike Penning, is, however, amongst the few to have seen this appalling incident for what it truly is. In a statement, the MP for Elmet and Rothwell, West Yorkshire stated:
“Just because someone says they have done it in the name of Islam does not make them terrorists… I do not think this should be described as terror”.
“Just because you stand say ‘God is Great’ to everybody, it does not mean it’s Islamic terror”.
“What’s the difference between Peter Sutcliffe saying he killed prostitutes because God told him to, and these people who are saying they are doing it in the name of Allah? It’s murder”.
“The implication is anybody who has not got a white face is implicated. If people have those views they must visit Auschwitz to understand where intolerance leads”.
“People should draw the connection between what happened in the 1920s and 1930s in Germany, and the conversations people think are acceptable now. We live in a cohesive society”.
Mr Shelbrooke’s remarks have been met with anger both from his constituents and on Twitter. They are wrong. Here is an MP who is wisely trying to encourage tolerance and reason.
Follow Alec Shelbrooke MP on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/AlecShelbrooke
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