WATCH as Muslim MP ERUPTS in Anger as Fellow MP Brands Islam a ‘Made-Up Nonsense’ in Explosive Free Speech Showdown

A fiery clash broke out in Parliament this week after a Conservative MP made controversial remarks during a debate on free speech laws, sparking a furious response from a Muslim MP across the chamber.

The debate was centered around a proposed amendment, New Clause 108, which aims to strengthen legal protections for freedom of expression. The MP pushing for the amendment argued that current legislation is being misused to silence criticism of certain religious beliefs—especially Islam. He claimed that parts of existing laws are being twisted to act like a blasphemy law, shielding Islam from criticism and protest. According to him, this undermines democracy and the principle of free speech.

“I’m not a Muslim, and I reject any attempt to tell me I cannot say what I think about any religion,” the MP declared passionately. “No ideas or beliefs should be above criticism or scrutiny.” He went on to describe the term “Islamophobia” as a “made-up and nonsensical concept” that confuses protecting people from hate with protecting ideas from debate. “We must protect people from harm, but we cannot have laws that protect ideologies from being challenged,” he said.

The comments instantly triggered anger from a Muslim MP who stood up and, with visible emotion, demanded, “Can I ask him what he would like me to tell the family of Muhammad Salem?” She referred to the 80-year-old Muslim grandfather who was stabbed to death in a brutal hate crime simply because of his religion. “He was targeted for being a Muslim,” she added, her voice filled with frustration.

While the MP acknowledged the stabbing as an “appalling crime” that he remembered well, he insisted that it was not relevant to the debate. “This has nothing to do with what I’m saying,” he responded. “We live in a free and pluralistic society where we have to be able to criticize ideas—yes, even religious ones. The law should protect people, not ideologies.”

The tense moment drew gasps from some in the chamber and has since led to widespread public backlash. Critics accused the MP of being insensitive and disrespectful toward Muslims and ignoring the real consequences of hate speech. Others, however, supported his stance, saying that protecting freedom of expression means allowing open debate—even about religion.

Social media erupted with divided opinions. Some defended the Muslim MP’s emotional response, saying she was standing up for the safety and dignity of her community. Others backed the controversial MP, claiming his words were taken out of context and that he was simply fighting against censorship.