It came as Tahir Ali, the Labour MP for Birmingham Hall Green, categorically denied an LBC report that he was in talks with Mr Galloway about the possibility of defecting to the Workers Party.
“No such talks have ever taken place with any person or organisation, and I am proud to serve my constituency as a Labour MP,” he said.
The 2021 Census showed the borough of Ealing had a Muslim population of almost 19 per cent. Almost one-third (30 per cent) of its population is Asian, while a further 26.5 per cent is made up of non-white ethnic groups.
During the Rochdale campaign, Mr Galloway’s leaflets rebranded him as “Gaza George” and he aggressively attacked Sir Keir Starmer’s party over its stance.
Labour had initially refused to call for an immediate ceasefire in the region, something it has since gone on to demand alongside the release of Israeli hostages. Mr Galloway has come under fire over his claims that Israel is committing “genocide” and an “apartheid state”.
Mr Panesar represented England between 2006 and 2013, taking 167 Test wickets during his career and playing a major part in the success of the 2009 Ashes campaign.
Following his retirement he has become a freelance journalist, writer and broadcaster having studied sports journalism at St Mary’s University, London. He also signed a deal with Great Witchingham, a village club in Norfolk, to compete during their 2024 campaign.
‘Migration makes Britain stronger’
Earlier this month, Mr Panesar filmed a video in support of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign in which he talked up the benefits of immigration.
“I think with migration, Britain is a stronger country, especially with some of the jobs that maybe the people who’ve been living in this country for generations, it’s difficult for them to do,” he said.
“But we have people coming from other parts of the world who are willing to work hard, willing to make a success [of] their lives. They see Great Britain as a place of opportunity. So I think the more we promote migration, the better our country will be.”
In 2021, he defended Michael Vaughan, his former teammate, amid a row which eventually saw Mr Vaughan cleared of using racist language towards fellow cricketer Azeem Rafiq at a Yorkshire game in 2009.
Mr Panesar told GB News he had been a “brilliant captain”, adding: “All he wanted to do was get the best 11 out on the pitch and it doesn’t matter where you’re from.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
