To many Britons, the word “sectarianism” is associated with unfortunate parts of the world such as the Middle East, or, closer to home, Northern Ireland. The thought of homegrown sectarianism disfiguring politics on the mainland, perhaps for the first time since the 17th century, is a troubling one. Yet it may already be a reality which we have to confront.
The Gaza independent alliance — featuring four Muslim MPs elected to Parliament in July’s general election, as well as former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn — is reportedly looking to officially form and register as a political party. Since the election it has become symbolic of a new sectarian politics emerging in Britain, with campaign groups such as The Muslim Vote using Gaza to voice their disaffection with Labour for taking Muslim voters for granted.
