A mayor’s remarks surrounding the Paris attacks are “personal” and do not necessarily represent the views of the Wycombe Labour group, say party chiefs.
Wycombe Labour today issued a statement following a backlash from comments made by the town’s mayor about the attack on Charlie Hedbo.
On Friday, Wycombe mayor, Khalil Ahmed, who is a Labour representative on Wycombe District Council, condemned the attacks on the office of the French satirical magazine, while adding that “insulting a person’s fundamental beliefs was likely to lead to unrest”.
Councillor Ahmed continued: “For the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world insulting the prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) is a grievous matter.”
His comments were criticised by some, with Conservative district council leader, Richard Scott, saying: “We note the views of the mayor of High Wycombe, but do not agree with his claim that ‘insulting a person’s fundamental beliefs was likely to lead to unrest’.”
The Wycombe Labour group now say that any comments made by the party’s members concerning religion are done so in a personal capacity.
Mark Ferris, secretary of Wycombe Labour, said: “We condemn the killings in France, as we condemn the massacre of innocent people wherever it takes place across the world, and believe in a society where people respect one another and show tolerance.
“We have no comment to make about the statement put out by the mayor. This is a non-political role representing all the people of Wycombe.
“Wycombe Labour is a secular organisation whose members cover all religions or none. It does not express religious views.
“Any comments made by the members of Wycombe Labour on religious issues are made in a personal capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of Wycombe Labour.”
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