There is no evidence that the Tory party is institutionally racist , but Boris Johnson s comments about burkhas making women look like letterboxes and bank robbers have given an impression it is insensitive to Muslim communities , an independent review found today.
The inquiry into alleged Islamophobia and discrimination in the Conservative Party concluded that anti-Muslim sentiment was seen at local association and individual levels.
However, it said that claims of institutional issues were not borne out by the way complaints were handled.
In a pointed message to Mr Johnson, the review led by Professor Swaran Singh said the leadership of the Conservative Party ought to set a good example for appropriate behaviours and language .
Former Tory chairwoman Baroness Warsi has repeated her claim that the party is “institutionally racist” and warned it would take years to undo the damage done by allegations of Islamophobia.
An independent report concluded anti-Muslim sentiment remained a problem in the party but the allegation of institutional racism was not borne out by the evidence of the complaints system.
Lady Warsi said the report did not go far enough and called for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to investigate.
Current Tory chairwoman Amanda Milling apologised on behalf of the party “to anyone who has been hurt by discriminatory behaviour of others or failed by our system” following the publication of Professor Swaran Singh’s report.
Boris Johnson Conservative party unable and unwilling to deal with anti-Muslim racism says senior peer
Responding to an investigation into Islamophobia the former chair of the Conservative Party Baroness Varsi said it revealed embedded racism in the party organisation.
Baroness Warsi served as the first Muslim woman in David Cameron s cabinet
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Mr Johnson said he was sorry for any offence taken over his journalism and told Prof Singh s investigation: Would I use some of the offending language from my past writings today? Now that I am Prime Minister, I would not.
The Singh Investigation report said several interviewees who spoke to the inquiry considered Mr Johnson s language discriminatory and unacceptable .
In response to Mr Johnson s assertion he would not make such remarks now, the report said: While this could be considered leading by example, the investigation would like to emphasise that using measured and appropriate language should not be a requirement solely for senior people, but ought to be expected throughout the Conservative Party.