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Rupa Huq’s concern over hate crime – then and now

As the Boris burqa row continues to dominate the news agenda for the fourth day on the trot, the former Foreign Sec’s enemies are still queuing round the block for the chance to stick the boot in. It’s hard to say though if many are actually offended by Johnson’s comments, or simply using the opportunity to settle old grudges.

It was Labour MP Rupa Huq’s turn to go on the attack last night on Channel 4 news, and as Mr S pointed out, she certainly seemed to enjoy doing it. But the MP also levelled more serious accusations against Boris, saying that his comments had the potential to whip up racial hatred:

‘Every time something like this happens, there’s a rise in all types of hate crime’

Mr S couldn’t help but recall that back in 2016, she appeared to be less concerned about the possibility of rising hate crime against the Jewish community when her colleague Naz Shah shared anti-Semitic posts on Facebook.

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Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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