BRUSSELS/LONDON, (Unib Rashid) – British Labour MP Afzal Khan, who represents Manchester Rusholme, has formally urged the UK’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to investigate Rupert Lowe MP, accusing him of making false and inflammatory statements about British Muslims and bringing the House of Commons into disrepute.

In a letter addressed to Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg, Khan expressed serious concern over remarks made by Rupert Lowe during a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. According to Khan, Lowe claimed that parallel Sharia courts are tolerated within the UK judicial system and suggested that Muslims are policing their own communities under separate laws.

Khan rejected these assertions, stating that Sharia councils have no official legal or constitutional authority in the United Kingdom. He explained that such councils primarily provide religious guidance and arbitration on matters such as Islamic divorce and other faith-related issues, but they do not function as part of the UK’s judicial system.

The Labour MP argued that Lowe’s comments were not only factually incorrect but also inflammatory, saying they risk fuelling Islamophobia, spreading misinformation and undermining public confidence in British institutions.

In his letter, Khan also criticised what he described as Rupert Lowe’s repeated use of anti-Muslim rhetoric, referring to previous public statements and policy positions that, in his view, have unfairly targeted British Muslims and contributed to social division. He warned that such language creates a hostile environment, particularly for Muslim Members of Parliament, and could encourage discrimination and abuse.

Khan further raised concerns about Lowe’s decision to make the remarks on The Joe Rogan Experience, arguing that the podcast has faced criticism in recent years over the spread of misinformation and controversial content. He said elected representatives should exercise greater responsibility when using influential media platforms.

Calling for formal action, Khan urged the Parliamentary Commissioner to investigate whether Lowe’s conduct breaches the House of Commons Code of Conduct and the Seven Principles of Public Life, particularly the principles of honesty, objectivity and leadership.

The letter concludes that public officials have a responsibility to uphold factual accuracy, avoid rhetoric that fuels hatred and ensure that parliamentary standards are maintained to protect public trust in democratic institutions.