‘I choked on my porridge,’ British prime minister says in response to Steven Emerson’s claim that Birmingham is a ‘ totally Muslim city ’

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

The Fox News commentator who said the British city of Birmingham was a no-go zone for non-Muslims is a “complete idiot”, the prime minister, David Cameron, has said.



“When I heard this, frankly, I choked on my porridge and I thought it must be April Fools’ day,” Cameron said. “This guy’s clearly a complete idiot.”



Terrorism expert Steven Emerson claimed on US news channel Fox News that non-Muslims do not go to Birmingham, which he said had become a “totally Muslim” city. Emerson added:



In Britain, it’s not just no-go zones, there are actual cities like Birmingham that are totally Muslim where non-Muslims just simply don’t go in. And, parts of London, there are actually Muslim religious police that actually beat and actually wound seriously anyone who doesn’t dress according to religious Muslim attire.

Emerson later apologised “for having made this comment about the beautiful city of Birmingham”.

Cameron said: “He’s started with an apology. That’s not a bad start. But what he should actually do is actually look at Birmingham and see what a fantastic example it is of bringing people together of different faiths, different backgrounds and actually building a world-class, brilliant city with a great and strong economy.”

Emerson’s website describes him as “one of the leading authorities” on Islamic extremist networks, and states:



Emerson and his staff frequently provide briefings to US government and law enforcement agencies, members of Congress and congressional committees.

His claims drew immediate criticism and ridicule under a hashtag mocking the channel’s comments, with many taking the opportunity to unearth inaccurate reports on Fox News.



Among reaction on Twitter, Rabeb Othmani offered to accompany non-Muslim people visiting Birmingham, referencing the hashtag #illridewithyou that was used to counter fears over the safety of Muslims after customers and staff were taken hostage in a cafe in Sydney in December.

Rabeb Othmani (@Rabeb_Othmani) If you are a non-muslim and would like to visit Birmingham #illridewithyou #FoxNewsFacts

Other Twitter users provided Fox with more “facts” about Birmingham.



Robin Ince (@robinince) You are not allowed to eat anything during daylight in Ramada Inns. #Foxnewsfacts

Richard Adams (@RichardA) #FoxNewsFacts Left: before moving to Birmingham. Right: same man, after living in Birmingham. pic.twitter.com/ne8fT92WM2

simon bayley (@simonbayley) .#foxnewsfacts The radical Islamic cleric John Imam. pic.twitter.com/YmulkzY5LV

Moss (@MossTMC) Muslims have their own Mecca in Birmingham. They are trying to take over the whole UK now. #FoxNews pic.twitter.com/RYGJkuFB2q

Pavilion Opinions (@pavilionopinion) Terrifying photo of how a typical Muslim from Birmingham guards the city gates against infidels. #foxnewsfacts pic.twitter.com/w1TJt93VEi

Abdul Mufeez Shaheed (@abdulmshaheed) #foxnewsfacts Spaghetti Junction was designed on Islamic Arabesque Art principles pic.twitter.com/q5yVb0oQqg

Peter Moore (@petermoore) Birmingham City Mosque is among the tallest and most sacred in all Islam. #FoxNewsFacts pic.twitter.com/4DPUoaz6CV

The Twitter jokes then spread to take in Plymouth and Coventry and other places on the UK.



Mark Sennen (@MarkSennen) In #Plymouth the call to prayer is made from this distinctive minaret which was built by Francis Drake. #FoxNewsFacts pic.twitter.com/lOYfx3weX0

Tony (@tony_malone) In the Midlands, people we don't want to speak to are literally sent to Coventry - there's even a special bus for it. #FoxNewsFacts

Gaz Miltz (@gazmiltz67) According to reliable sources, Britain is dealing with a problematic ant infestation #foxnewsfacts pic.twitter.com/GJlIWpXJnu

Philip Hawkins (@Iudex_phil) 'Morris' religious police patrol The New Forest and physically harm any one found not wearing bells #foxnewsfacts pic.twitter.com/zAkp97XxCG

Andy Coates RPT (@AndyWoodturner) In the UK the Duchess of Cambridge is a stained-glass maker #foxnewsfacts pic.twitter.com/9RpmkzOXWF

Perform UK (@PerformUK) Breaking News!! UK Criminal Masterminds have finally perfected their 'Shrink Ray' #foxnewsfacts pic.twitter.com/mf3LLW2jHz

James O'Malley (@Psythor) Some representations of some of the holiest figures in Birmingham #foxnewsfacts pic.twitter.com/rbNBvPcjcl

Ricky Kuzco (@kuzco890) The formation of rainbows. #foxnewsfacts pic.twitter.com/6uKoxvTy2v

Fox News has been criticised in the past for inaccurate reporting and ridiculed on social networks.



MJG (@MichaelGamache) Thanks @FoxNews for reminding us all how graphs work...because 6 million is about 1/3 of 7 million? #foxnewsfacts pic.twitter.com/ozk44dnItV”

Muhammad Qadri (@mqadri111) Lie/Propaganda fails, to be precise. #FoxNews confused could nt deliver right value for money paid by customer ! pic.twitter.com/UvBf41CnEy