An attempt to politicise a community celebration in Harrow has drawn criticism from local voices who warn against fuelling division for political advantage.
In a statement at the House of Commons, Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East, alleged that “thugs from the Central Mosque attacked the annual Holi celebration” and claimed that the Metropolitan Police had “questions to answer” after only one arrest, a veiled attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who oversees the Met Police.
However, police statements following the incident indicated that investigators found no evidence that the disturbance at the Holi event had any Hindu–Muslim dimension. This assessment was echoed by the Conservative leader of Harrow Council, who confirmed that police “do not believe the Harrow incident was targeted at the Hindu community”.
Despite these clarifications, the MP’s version of events has been circulated by some right-wing commentators and media outlets, prompting concern that an unverified narrative could inflame tensions within one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
Local politicians and community representatives who have long championed Harrow’s interfaith harmony have instead urged residents to rely on the facts established by police and avoid speculation that risks damaging community relations.
In a statement at the House of Commons, Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East, alleged that “thugs from the Central Mosque attacked the annual Holi celebration” and claimed that the Metropolitan Police had “questions to answer” after only one arrest, a veiled attack on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who oversees the Met Police.
However, police statements following the incident indicated that investigators found no evidence that the disturbance at the Holi event had any Hindu–Muslim dimension. This assessment was echoed by the Conservative leader of Harrow Council, who confirmed that police “do not believe the Harrow incident was targeted at the Hindu community”.
Despite these clarifications, the MP’s version of events has been circulated by some right-wing commentators and media outlets, prompting concern that an unverified narrative could inflame tensions within one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
Local politicians and community representatives who have long championed Harrow’s interfaith harmony have instead urged residents to rely on the facts established by police and avoid speculation that risks damaging community relations.
Harrow Monitoring Group 