Tory MP sparks racism row after claiming the 'vast majority' of lockdown rule-breakers are from BAME communities

A Tory MP was accused of racism yesterday after claiming the ‘vast majority’ breaking lockdown restrictions were from black and minority ethnic communities.

Craig Whittaker, who represents Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, said there were ‘sections of our community that are just not taking the pandemic seriously’.

He made the comments during an interview with LBC Radio after local lockdown measures were imposed on large parts of the North including his constituency.

When asked to clarify whether his statement related to the Muslim community, he said: ‘Of course. 

'If you look at the areas where we have seen rises and cases, the vast majority – not by any stretch of the imagination all areas – it is the BME communities that are not taking this seriously enough.’

Craig Whittaker, who represents Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, has been accused of racism yesterday after claiming the ‘vast majority’ breaking lockdown restrictions were from black and minority ethnic communities

Mr Whittaker accepted his view would be controversial, adding: ‘I’ve been challenging our local leaders… asking what are we doing to target these areas, to let people know this is still a very serious problem. 

'Until people take it seriously, we’re not going to get rid of this pandemic. It’s not just the Asian community in our area. We also have areas of high multiple occupancy that are in the same boat. 

'When you have multiple families living in one household, that doesn’t specifically have to be the Asian community, but that is the largest proportion.’

Labour equalities spokesman Marsha de Cordova said the comments were ‘disgraceful and overt racism’.

Adding that Mr Whittaker was ‘blaming… the very people whose lives and livelihoods have been the worst-hit by Covid-19’, she urged Boris Johnson to ‘condemn this comment and take action’. 

A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain said: ‘This is shameless scapegoating of minorities. It is utterly unacceptable and Mr Whittaker should apologise.’

The Prime Minister was asked during a Downing Street press conference if he agreed with Mr Whittaker’s sentiments, but chose not to criticise his colleague.