Birmingham activist caught on camera warning voters of ‘Zionist control’ while campaigning
Sky News footage records comments as controversial 'Independent Alliance' figure Akhmed Yakoob campaigns ahead of Birmingham local elections
A Birmingham-based political activist behind the city’s ‘independent alliance’ has been filmed repeating claims that “Zionists control everything” while campaigning ahead of local elections.
Akhmed Yakoob, a lawyer who previously stood as a parliamentary candidate against Shabana Mahmood in the Birmingham Ladywood constituency, is playing a leading role in organising a slate of independent candidates seeking to unseat Labour in Birmingham City Council elections.
In footage reported by Sky News, Yakoob is heard telling voters: “The thing is, the Zionists control everything.”
When approached by journalists after the remarks were recorded, he said he stood by the comments and did not believe they were antisemitic, adding that it was something he said regularly.
Yakoob has repeatedly drawn criticism over statements referencing a so-called “Zionist lobby” and claims about “Zionist” influence, language widely condemned by Jewish groups as echoing antisemitic tropes.
He has consistently rejected those accusations, maintaining that his views are anti-Zionist rather than antisemitic, and has used social media to insist he opposes hatred towards Jewish people.
The comments come as Birmingham prepares for closely watched local elections, with frustration over issues including bin strikes, council finances and cost-of-living pressures creating an opening for insurgent campaigns.
Yakoob is not standing as a candidate himself but is backing a loose alliance of independents aiming to capitalise on dissatisfaction with Labour’s leadership of the council.
When speaking directly to Sky News, he emphasised economic concerns, saying: “People are actually struggling with day-to-day living… Child poverty is huge here.”
Asked whether his campaign style was divisive, he responded: “I’m appealing to everyone who is fed up and being neglected. If you think that’s divisive, then yes, maybe I’m divisive.”
Claims about “Zionist control” have historically been associated with antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish power and influence.
Yakoob has also recently faced questions after confirming he was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence during a demonstration in Birmingham, following a livestream in which a voice was heard directing racist abuse at a police officer – an allegation he disputes. West Midlands Police said a 38-year-old man was arrested on 10 March and later released on bail.
The force added that it was aware of speculation linking the arrest to a separate incident involving the burning of an Israeli flag at another protest on the same street days earlier, but said “that is not the case” and confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
Last year in a separate case it was confirmed that Yakoob would stand trial in 2027 over charges of money laundering.
Jewish News has contacted Akhmed Yakoob for comment via his law firm, Maurice Andrews Solicitors.
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