Independent MP calling for blasphemy laws to be introduced to protect islam in the UK

Ex-Labour supporter Adnan Hussain was recorded responding in a conversation about free speech by implying that the right to offend should not extend to Islam. His comments, which equated criticism of religion with racism, have sparked concerns about the creeping influence of blasphemy-style thinking in Western democracies.

The controversy began after a man in Manchester was arrested for staging a protest in response to the killing of Salwan Momika in Sweden. When former MP Rupert Lowe defended the right to offend as a core principle of a free society, Adnan responded by framing it as a desire to offend Muslims, suggesting that such speech should not be protected.

This comment raised questions over Hussains ideological background of the movement he is associated with, and why his comments are part of a much broader and concerning trend. In countries like Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, blasphemy laws are regularly used to suppress dissent, jail minorities, and in some cases, justify extra-judicial violence. These are not values that belong in liberal democracies.

Free speech means protecting the rights of those you disagree with. It means allowing criticism of ideas, institutions, and religions, even when it offends. Because once that line is crossed, and one belief system becomes legally untouchable, the foundations of a free society begin to erode.

This also raises questions regarding the amount of time our elected officials are spending on foreign issues, rather than the issues of the people they were elected by.

Outcome:

Hussain is one of twelve muslim independent MPs who have so far shown more concern for their country of origin or places like Gaza, Kashmir, and Bangladesh, rather than the UK.