The UK government’s appointment of the Friends of Israel Initiative founder to lead review of anti-radicalisation programme “is testament of the growing anti-Muslim sentiment in Britain”, the UK division of Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party) said in a press release.
William Shawcross, “known for his open disdain of Islam and Muslims”, has been “appointed to lead a review of the UK government’s discredited Prevent programme”, the party said. In 2012, Shawcross said: “Europe and Islam is one of the greatest, most terrifying problems of our future. I think all European countries have vastly, very quickly growing Islamic populations.”
AK Party Chairman Abdurrahim Boynukalin said: “Shawcross’s appointment is testament of the growing anti-Muslim sentiment in Britain. the UK. How can someone with an open track record of hatred of towards Muslims be asked to lead something like this? I suppose his profile befits the totally flawed Prevent programme which rights groups and the wider Muslim community have collectively shunned as disproportionately targeting Muslims. Both Prevent and Shawcross must go!”
![Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall talks with Royal Biographer William Shawcross during a reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Osteoporosis Society at St James's Palace on 21 November 2011 in London, England. [Rota/Anwar Hussein/Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/d2.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/GettyImages-1224328746-e1611824773813.jpg?fit=920%2C613&ssl=1)