Latest news straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The Green Party have been accused of "Muslim bashing" after co-leader Jonathan Bartley said he supported banning halal slaughter.

Halal slaughter is an Islamic practice which involves using a sharp knife to cut the throat of an animal. Critics point out animals killed in accordance with Islamic tradition are not always stunned before being killed, although stunning is permitted and many are.

It is common practices in slaughter houses in Europe for animals to be stunned, to minimise the pain and fear they experience.

Birmingham candidate Khalid Mahmood (Lab), who is defending the seat of Perry Barr, said: "This is nothing to do with the green agenda. This is purely to do with scapegoating the Muslim community.

"Every party now wants to jump on the band-wagon of Muslim bashing and this exactly what they are doing."

He pointed out that the comments, in an interview with BBC Radio Five Live, appeared to refer specifically to Muslim dietary laws and there was no mention of Jewish practices which are very similar.

Mr Mahmood said: "Banning for just one community is disgraceful.

"The Jewish community actually goes through a similar process. Are they just going to ban for Muslims? That is the question they have to answer."

Mr Bartley was asked during the radio interview whether he supported banning halal slaughter. He said: "I think yes. I'm afraid I have to be honest about it.

"When we are talking about care for animals and animal sentience, we are the strongest party on animal rights and I don't think religious observance should ever trump our care for the planet, our care for sentient animals."

Interviewer Nicky Campbell gave him an opportunity make his position clear, asking: "You would ban Halal slaughter?"

Mr Bartley replied: "Personally yeah I would"

The comments go beyond the official Green Party policy. The Green Party say they will ensure meat and other animal products are labelled so that buyers know how the animal was slaughtered. They also say they will "work empathetically and respectfully with relevant medical, scientific and religious groups to bring about reduction in fear, pain and discomfort for all animals that are bred and maintained for food".

As Mr Mahmood says, Jewish dietary law calls for animals to be slaughtered in a similar way. However, Jewish rules are actually far stricter in banning the practice of stunning animals in advance.