We the undersigned who live or work in Redbridge note:

1-  That on the 27th June 2024 the Ilford Recorder published a letter by Finley Dunlop saying “There is an independent candidate standing who would if she were able, drag this country back to the Middle Ages. It is not inconceivable that if enough candidates who share her world view attain a seat in Parliament and they gain real power through the democratic process, then this country could be under Shariah Law within 10 years.”

2) On the afternoon of 29th June Andy Walker tweeted Mr Dunlop’s letter incited religious hatred and hoped the Recorder would apologise

3) On the evening of 29th June Syed Siddiqi tweeted “This is appalling racism aimed at  Leanne Mohamad. No matter what your political views are, this is unacceptable!” On 2nd July this tweet has more than 97,000 views

4) On 30th June Wes Streeting tweeted “A letter printed in the Ilford Recorder makes Islamophobic accusations about one of my opponents. I won’t stand for it and condemn it unequivocally”

And asks Redbridge Council to:

A) Debate at their earliest convenience at an council ordinary meeting or an extraordinary council meeting  what can be done to have this letter removed from the Ilford Recorder Digital Edition. The debate to include the below:

B) Whether the Council should refer the Ilford Recorder to the Met Police  for hate crime

C) Whether the Council should make a complaint to the  Independent Press Standards Organisation

D) – Whether the Leader of the Council should seek a meeting with the Ilford Recorder editor to explain why the Council is seeking an apology from the Recorder for publishing the letter.

E) -To consider whatever actions the supporters of this petition make in the comments below