Conservative party investigate after Hope Not Hate makes allegations of Islamophobia against vice-chairman of Newark Conservatives
HOPE Not Hate, the anti-fascist forum that claims to provide a positive antidote to the politics of hate, has challenged the Conservatives to suspend a number of serving councillors, including the vice-chairman of the Newark Conservative Association over social media comments alleged to be Islamophobic.
It wrote online: “We are calling on CCHQ to take immediate action against these individuals, and will continue to demand they take proper steps to tackle the Islamophobia crisis that has gripped the party at every level.”
One of those named is the vice-chairman of the Newark Conservative Association, and Nottinghamshire county councillor for Retford East, Steve Vickers.
As its example, it uses a social media post, which bore Mr Vickers’ Facebook profile picture, relating to the Nice, France, terror attack of July 14, 2016, when a 19-tonne cargo truck was driven into crowds celebrating Bastille Day, resulting in the deaths of 86 people and the injury of 458 others.
The post attributed to Mr Vickers (pictured) is alleged to have written the following day: “The atrocities in Nice. I saw a post this afternoon about lighting candles and holding hands! B******s to that.
“Hunt them all down.
“Enough of all the political correctness and make Europe safe place again.
“(London Mayor) Sadiq Khan has asked questions about increased security in London. Has he now! He and his brethren are part of the problem.”
The chairman of the Newark Conservative Association, Tony Roberts declined to comment.
Mr Vickers had not responded to a message left on his mobile phone by the time the Advertiser went to press.
In regard to HOPE not Hate’s claims, the Conservatives said: “Members have been suspended pending an investigation into these allegations.”
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