Bailey backtracks on anti-protester comments

Following comments made by Conservative Mayor of London candidate Shaun Bailey threatening to ban pro-farmer protests outside the Indian High Commission in London, his office has submitted a statement and video to Sikh organisations claiming there has been a “complete misunderstanding”.

Bailey was quoted as saying that the “unruly demonstrations that have taken place outside the Indian High Commission are absolutely unacceptable” and that if he is elected as mayor, he will do “everything in [his] power to offer protection for staff and visitors”.

“If necessary, this would include banning demonstrations that are deemed to put staff and visitors at risk.”

He made the comments in a Zoom meeting with the High Commissioner of India, Gaitri Issar Kumar, on Thursday 18^th March, according to Asian Voice magazine. The Sikh Press Association emailed Bailey’s office asking him to explain his views, but they declined to do so until after we published an article and social media posts reflecting his comments. His office then contacted us, claiming that our email to them had “slipped through the net”.

“I want to underline that this representation of my views is wholly inaccurate,” Bailey said in the statement.

“I fully back the right of peaceful protests anywhere in London and around the world. The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. I am also committed to protecting people from violent protests without discrimination or prejudice.”

Sikh PA has asked Bailey’s office for further clarification as it is unclear why he felt the need to reference “violent protests” in his statement about the pro-farmer protests in London, or exactly what was “unruly” about them.

He also failed to acknowledge the incident of a Metropolitan police officer punching a peaceful protester in the face while unprovoked, in a pro-farmer protest which took place in December 2020. He also declined to address the pro-Indian government protest in January 2021 that was planned to conclude and stoke tensions outside a place of worship; Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara on Guru Nanak Road in Southall.

Sikh PA has asked Bailey’s office for further clarification of his views and invited him to join us for a live video interview to discuss his comments. We will continue to update the community accordingly.