Andrew Pierce in fiery 'Islamophobia' row with Kevin Maguire as he slaps down 'grotesque hypocrisy' claims
Andrew Pierce and Kevin Maguire clashed in a televised debate on Tuesday
ITV
Andrew Pierce locked horns with regular on-screen sparring partner Kevin Maguire on Tuesday morning as the pair engaged in a heated debate about the Conservative Party's approach to the definition of Islamophobia.
Over the weekend, former Tory deputy leader Lee Anderson was suspended and accused by critics of Islamophobic comments towards London Mayor Sadiq Khan after he suggested "Islamists... have gotten control" of the Labour politician.
Since the decision by Rishi Sunak to suspend Anderson, a petition has garnered over 10,000 signatures for him to be reinstated and the suspended MP has even criticised the PM after wanting a "bit more backing" for his comments.
With cries of Islamophobia ringing from the likes of Labour and the Lib Dems, Downing Street has refused to brand Anderson's comments as such and Kemi Badenoch has defended the party's decision not to use the label.
On Tuesday, Pierce defended the Conservatives for their approach to the definition of Islamophobia, putting to Maguire: "The Tory party is not going to sign up to this definition of Islamophobia which the Labour Party and the Lib Dems has because they say it ushers in too many other problems.
"Kemi Badenoch, who is the Business Secretary, is saying it could bring in almost a form of (blasphemy) because it's about religion.
Lee Anderson was suspended by the ToriesGB NEWS
"They're saying what we talk about is 'anti-Muslim hatred' so they are not going to embrace this word Islamophobia, period."
Maguire hit back: "(Sayeeda) Warsi, the Tory peer, Muslim former chair of the party says Badenoch never raised any objections in the past because they had full party support.
"They're just trying to avoid saying Islamophobia is anti-Muslim just as anti-Semitism is anti-Jew. They're just trying to avoid saying it because they know they do have a pretty deep-seated problem -"
Keen to make Maguire back up his claims, Pierce cut in: "I don't think they do."
"Because there are so many cases -" Maguire tried to continue but Pierce interjected again: "Really?"
Maguire continued his tirade: "And the Equality for Human Rights Commission has investigated Labour of anti-Semitism... it's government-funded, it's been weak-kneed and it's not investigating the Tories when it should in so many cases."
Eventually, Pierce grew tired of Maguire's claims and he called him out: "Where are all these cases?
"We know about Lee Anderson, where are all the other ones you're talking about? You pepper these conversations with these allegations, no evidence."
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WATCH HERE: Andrew Pierce and Kevin Maguire clash over 'Islamophobia' in the Tory Party claims
Maguire then decided to use Paul Scully's comments about "no-go" areas to try and substantiate his claims.
"You saw yesterday a Tory talking about no-go areas in Tower Hamlets, where I live, and there are zero no-go areas, and in a part of Birmingham where people who live there say it isn't true. you're getting these cases time after time after time. And you're denying them," Maguire hit back.
"That's two you've come up with," Pierce replied to which an incensed Maguire fumed: "Your hypocrisy is grotesque! You call out anti-Semitism and ignore Islamophobia, your hypocrisy is grotesque."
Pierce brought the debate to a close as he said of his fellow GMB panelist: "I think Kevin needs to calm down."