[ianch99]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

First, you must not tarnish the Conservative Party with the word Islamophobia. You cannot substantiate that.

Second, a phobia has to be irrational. There is nothing irrational about being worried about what a Burka hides or, for that matter, a person with a beard and a rucksack sitting opposite you on the tube and praying might intend doing. There is nothing irrational about worrying what's going on in mosques when we read about Imams urging violence and so on.

Third, Boris may well behave like a buffoon at times but at least he says what he thinks and he's not far off the popular mark most times. He should have put the "letter box" comment in a more meaningful way around intimidating appearance or concealment. But he was, at least, defending peoples' right to wear what they choose in our country.

Fourth, this seems to be a Remainers vs Leavers debate.

We will find out more if Boris tries to become Conservative Leader and then, if so, what happens at the polls. If Boris wins, no doubt the Remainers in this topic will declare the electorate to be Islamophobic.

He does not need to substantiate it, it is, as you say, in the public domain:

Former Conservative co-chair Baroness Warsi: The Islamophobia scandal in the Conservative party goes 'right up to the top'

Some examples:

Tory MP accused of Islamophobia after posting anti-Muslim article on Facebook

Tory councillor suspended over 'Muslim parasites' post the day after visiting a mosque with party's Deputy chairman

Tory candidate suspended for suggesting ‘people hang bacon to protect homes from terrorism’