It is not Shahid Malik's willingness to meet the Moonies that should worry us most
James Forsyth 12:43pm
Paul Waugh’s scoop about Shahid Malik agreeing to chair a meeting held at the Commons by the Moonies suggests that Malik—or his staff—should do a bit of research before agreeing to things. But far more worrying is what Dean Godson reveals in The Times this morning about Malik’s desire to attend Islam Expo even after Hazel Blears had ruled that it was inappropriate for any Minister to attend because of the platform being offered to those with extreme views:
"Shahid Malik, MP for Dewsbury, had other ideas and sought to attend in a personal capacity. He was persuaded not to attend Islam Expo only with the greatest difficulty - after heavy pressure from his departmental chief at International Development, Douglas Alexander, the Chief Whip and the Cabinet Secretary, who invoked Cabinet Office guidelines on engagement with Islamic groups."
For those who want to know more about Islam Expo, I’d recommend Martin Bright’s post explaining why he pulled out of the event.
Previous
Liz Brown
July 15th, 2008 1:32pm Report this commenta nasty little self- publicist -I have nothing but contempt for him and his ilk
London Calling
July 15th, 2008 2:09pm Report this commentI thought you could be arrested for doing Moonies, let alone entertaining them in Westminster...
:0
Michael Sweeney
July 15th, 2008 2:48pm Report this commentThis is interesting. Seumas Milne was complaining that ministers hadn't attended the event in yesterday's Grauniad. Now we know why. Typical of him to champion Islam though. I look forward to seeing him exhorting the rest of us to back the CofE at it's York Synod. Would make sense for a Old Wykehamist like him.
John Fox
July 15th, 2008 2:53pm Report this commentThat's harsh - I thought he played a blinder after 7/7
barbara jones
July 15th, 2008 11:25pm Report this commentpathetic whimps, islamexpo was a great evwent, the political aspect only constituted baout 5% of the agenda, the other 95% was a great show, i'm glad i attended!!
Branston
July 16th, 2008 8:39am Report this commentIt is the 5 per cent which is the worrying bit - the other stuff is mere window-dressing.
Jak
July 25th, 2008 9:23pm Report this commentA self-interested individual who craves publicity... shame!
Back to top