Lee Anderson: Labour calls for action over Tory MP Islamist claims

Labour has called for action over claims by Tory MP Lee Anderson that Labour is “institutionally Islamist”.

Shadow Cabinet member Nadia Whittome said the party should investigate if there is a problem with “Islamophobia” within its ranks.

Mr Anderson made the comments in a Facebook post on Sunday claiming Labour is becoming a “soft touch” on extremism.

He said the party should be “rooting out” and “eradicating” Islamists.

Ms Whittome said evidence of Mr Anderson’s remarks were “deeply concerning” and called for him to be disciplined.

She added: “These remarks are clearly Islamophobic and have no place in our politics.”

Mr Anderson has defended his comments saying he will “not apologise” for speaking out against extremism.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Labour Party said they take all allegations of Islamophobia seriously and will investigate the matter further.