Lib Dem councillor denies he agreed to do antisemitism training over Hamas remarks
Birmingham councillor Ayoub Khan puts out new Tik Tok video criticising party bosses over claims he had said sorry for Tik Tok videos questioning Hamas crimes of Oct 7th
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
A Liberal Democrat councillor exposed by Jewish News for questioning evidence Hamas carried out the October 7th atrocities in Israel, has denied claims made by the party that he has agreed to participate in antisemitism training.
A series of Tik Tok videos posted by Birmingham councillor Ayoub Khan, who represents Aston, had seen him repeatedly suggest he “has a problem with the credibility” of accounts detailing the massacre carried out at by Hamas, included at a kibbutz in southern Israel.
After confirming they had launched an investigation into Cllr Khan’s conduct, a Lib Dem spokesperson later said:”Councillor Khan has recognised that his comments were offensive.
“He has apologised and deleted his TikToks, and agreed to undergo anti-semitism training,” the spokesperson said.
“Liberal Democrats utterly condemn the terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas on 7 October.”
But in a new Tik Tok post, Cllr Khan has said:”So let me make my position absolutely clear. At no stage have I considered my material on TikTok offensive, nor have I agreed with anyone that I would undergo a training course in antisemitism. There is simply no need. It illustrates doesn’t it how the media can get it wrong.”
He added:”I have also written to the Lib Dem headquarters because I want to get to the bottom of this. How is it that a statement has been issued, if it has, by the Lib Dem spokesperson about something that is factually incorrect? You see, ladies and gentlemen, here is a classic example why it’s important that social media allows you to have a platform to make things right.”
Jewish News also understands Khan has tabled a Lib Dem motion on Israel for debate at a full meeting of Birmingham Council.
Khan had previously been the Lib Dem’s candidate for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner role.
He is a criminal barrister.
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