We find it disgraceful and unacceptable that the Labour Party have only given Cllr Joyce McCarty who represents Newcastle City Council only a 12 months suspension for her racist Islamaphobic comments, claiming that there was a "specific Muslim plot" organised in the West End of Newcastle to remove the leader and get more black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates selected.

Despite her initial suspension from the party, Cllr McCarty was still on the ballot as a Labour candidate in her Wingrove ward for the Newcastle City Council elections on 5 May.

There is a rise of anti-Muslim sentiments throughout the world including the UK, and bigoted comments made by prominent politicians who are meant to be a voice for all communities only helps to accelerate and legitimise suspicion against vulnerable communities.

We condemn hate speech against any marginalised communities, however we have witnessed members and politicians from the Labour Party being expelled for making comments which were deemed to be antisemitic.

What if the Cllr McCarty‘s comments were targeted towards the Jewish community, and she said “Jewish Plot” rather than “Muslim Plot?” Would this be treated the same way?? The answer is no! So why the double standards by Keir Starmer and the Labour Party.

It’s unacceptable that not one councillor from either party or an independent member has condemned her actions. What is more astonishing is that out of four Muslim labour councillors not one has come out to defend the Muslim community and condemn Joyce McCarty’s statements.