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Gillingham and Rainham MP speaks in Westminster about alleged racial abuse

By: Lynn Cox lcox@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 13:20, 13 July 2017

A Medway MP has spoken out in Westminster about an allegation of racial abuse he allegedly received while making his acceptance speech at the election count a Medway Park.

Gillingham and Rainham member, Rehman Chishti, took part in a debate on abuse and intimidation of candidates and the public in UK elections, held in Westminster Hall yesterday.

As revealed several weeks ago on Kentonline, police are investigating an allegation of racial abuse against Mr Chishti at the election count at Medway Park in June.

Rehman Chishti speaking out during the debate.

The Gillingham and Rainham representative was allegedly verbally attacked as he gave his acceptance speech, having been re-elected.

The Conservative was thanking people for their support and was heckled, including by Labour opponents.

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It was at this point that a man is reported to have shouted: “Go back to Saudi Arabia.”

Rehman Chishti MP talking in the chamber.

Mr Chishti was the third and final Conservative to be returned to Parliament from the Towns.

He received 27,091 votes – just under 10,000 more than Labour candidate Andy Stamp, who polled 17,661.

Mr Chishti was criticised in the past for a trip to the Middle East when he led a delegation of politicians to Saudi Arabia to discuss relations between the country and the UK.

The group met King Salman and discussed relations between the two countries, trade, education, human rights and religious freedom.

He faced a potential investigation by the Parliamentary standards commissioner over £2,000-a-month payments from a think-tank based in the Saudi Arabian capital.

Mr Chishti had been in an advisory role to the King Faisal Centre, in Riyadh, but the complaint was later dismissed.

Mr Chishti has been criticised over the invitation to Westminster

Yesterday a committee of MPs across the country took part in the debate second chamber and Mr Chishti spoke to other members about what he says he experienced.

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During the debate, Mr Chishti said: “In my seven years I have made some wonderful friendships and had some wonderful trips abroad.

“Abuse is unacceptable to any member of parliament and I will never accept it.

“During my acceptance speech after a difficult election I spoke to thank the electorate.

“An activist said f**k off go back to country X.

“The matter has been referred to Kent Police who are investigating, let them do their job.

“It was a Labour party activist who use to be a political assistant for the Medway Labour group.

“I didn’t expect that, how would you feel?”

At the time of the incident, a Kent Police, spokesman said: “Officers are investigating a report of a racially aggravated public order offence at around 4.15am on June 9.”

Today, the spokesman confirmed the investigation was still ongoing but as yet, no arrests had been made.

We approached the man who allegedly made the comment but as yet, has not responded to our request.

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