Former London mayoral candidate Howard Cox has criticised a controversial advert on the London Underground featuring an Islamic preacher burning dollars.
Speaking on GB News, Cox condemned the Transport for London (TfL) campaign for Islamic finance firm Wahed, which shows Muslim preacher Ismail ibn Musa Menk, known as "Mufti Menk", holding a briefcase of burning money.
The advert, which has sparked outrage among some Londoners, carries the caption "join the money revolution".
Cox argued that the advertisement does not align with British cultural values and suggested it would not have been approved had he been elected mayor.
The Wahed ad campaign, visible across London's transport network, features not only Mufti Menk but also ex-UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Both are described as brand "ambassadors" for the Islamic finance firm.
Howard Cox hit out at the adverts
GB NEWS
Nurmagomedov is shown raising his index finger, a traditional Islamic pose, with the caption "withdraw from Riba (usury)".
The company specialises in "Shariah-compliant" investments, adhering to strict Islamic principles that forbid charging interest.
Wahed's advertisements can be seen on billboards, buses, and Underground stations including Holborn and Moorgate, as well as on the Piccadilly line and the 92 bus route.
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The advert has drawn criticism from Tory London Assembly member Susan Hall.
Speaking to GB News, she highlighted the disparity between TfL's acceptance of the Wahed ads and the banning of comedian Ed Gamble's posters featuring a hot dog.
The Wahed adverts have cropped up across the TfL estateWAHEDHall questioned the Mayor's advertising policies, stating, "If Wahed had wanted to advertise their platform with a high-calorie meal on the tube, it would be banned, but apparently a preacher banned from other countries for promoting religious discord is fine?"
She urged TfL to reconsider the advert's suitability, referencing Menk's 2017 ban from Singapore for "segregationist and divisive teachings".
Howard Cox, speaking on GB News, expressed his strong disapproval of the advert. He stated, "This is not an admin error. It's absolutely no way. He's got a load of people earning six figures, he made the criteria and this one sailed through with no problems whatsoever."
Howard Cox joined Martin Daubney on GB News
GBNEWS
Cox further emphasised his position, saying, "I didn't become London mayor, but if I had, this one wouldn't be accepted. It doesn't meet the criteria of British culture, it's as simple as that."
A Transport for London spokesman told GB News: "This advert was reviewed and found to comply with our advertising policy."
While a spokeswoman for the Mayor of London said: "The Mayor is clear that there is no place for hate in London and he strongly condemns any language which divides London's amazing diverse communities.
"The Mayor has no involvement in approving or deciding which ads run on the TfL network, and TfL's policy reflects legal requirements."
