Mr Tan Dhesi, Labour MP for Slough, has responded to an occurrence outside a Mosque where he was pushed and heckled. The incident has been shared on social media including Facebook and Instagram.
The story took an even more serious turn when right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, Tweeted about the incident.
The incident happened on Friday outside a Mosque in Berkshire, Where Mr Dhesi was handing out flyers at a Mosque after Friday prayers. An onlooker shouted:
“You’re not welcome here. You’ve got the blood of Palestinian children on your hands.”
The onlooker also called him, a “Zionist Devil” and was told “you are not welcome here, don’t come back”
Mr Dhesi and two of his supporters left the area after a short time to avoid any escalation of the incident. The incident is allegedly due to his previous abstention over a motion relating to the ongoing crisis in Gaza in November 2023.
However, Mr Dhesi has stated that he has always vowed to advocate an end to the violence.
Mr Dhesi responded with a post on the Twitter / X platform, with the following:
“Attempts to intimidate, by a small group campaigning for an opponent, won’t deter me from speaking up for all, including for peace in Palestine.
Grateful to all, especially from our Muslim community, who were appalled by such behaviour and sent messages of support”
The incident took a further development when right – wing activist Tommy Robinson was shared on the platform. Mr Robinson stated:
“As the media and far left cry how ‘dangerous’ and ‘divisive’ reform are. Another MP chased down the street in the UK buy a mob of Muslims over a conflict 2500 miles away.
“Should never have fed the crocodile for votes. Chickens coming home to roost”
Again, responding with a Tweet via the Twitter / X platform, Mr Dhesi hit back with:
“The diverse people and communities for Slough have been, and continue to be, a great source of strength and support to me since I was first elected as their MP.
The far-right love nothing more than sowing seeds of hate and division. I couldn’t disagree more with Tommy Robinson.”
Addressing his stance on the Gaza conflict, and why he voted against an amendment regarding the issue in 2023, Mr Dhesi stated:
“I have openly called for a ceasefire, but also acknowledge that neither Israel of Hamas are agreeing on one yet, even though a lot of work has been done to hopefully bring an end to these horrors.”
“I abstained on all other parties’ amendments – as is usual practice – but voted for the comprehensive Labour amendment which was only tabled the night before calling for ‘an end to the violence in Israel and Palestine’.”
Mr Dhesi, full name Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi was initially elected as MP for Slough in the 2017 General Election, with a considerable majority of 17,000.
He is notable for becoming the first ever turbaned Sikh in any European Parliament. He also served in Parliament as Shadow Minister for Exports. He is also notable for leading a campaign for a National Sikh War memorial.
The conflict in the region, continues with images and reports on the conflict continuing to cause distress and controversy around the world – particularly when relating to civilians caught up in the conflict and the growing death toll, especially those of women and children killed or injured.
Mr Dhesi has reportedly previously received death threats over his conduct relating to the conflict. However, he has stated:
“Rest assured, despite the abuse and intimidation from some, I will continue to advocate human rights, peace and prosperity – for everyone there and across the world.”
