Tebbit comments "dangerous and possibly criminal"

11.43.45am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 19th Aug 2005

Graham Oakes has described Norman Tebbit's comments on immigration and "dangerous and possibly criminal"

Mr Tebbit claimed that had his "cricket test" been heeded 15 years ago it might have prevented the London bombings.

"How can a leading Conservative claim that people protecting their traditions leads to the horror of the London bombings"

"Mr Tebbit's comments can only inflame the situation and is particularly dangerous in areas where the ethnic minorities are very small, such as South Dorset. We have witnessed racially motivated attacks in the South West in the last few days and comments like these may lead to more."

"As a Christian I can not support this attack on Islam. We need tolerance and understanding if we are to build a safer world."

"I am appalled that he should make such a ridiculous claim that no Muslim has advanced science, art or literature or technology in the last 500 years. This is obviously untrue and can only be designed to create racial unrest and hatred."

"His claim that Britain is not multicultural is bizarre. As an island race we are made up of invaders and refugees from around the world. These people have brought with them traditions that have influenced our British way of life, all the parts being different helps create a rich cultural colour. By singling out the Asian community he is being deliberately divisive."

"As a Liberal Democrat I support individual freedom but with that freedom comes responsibility. I believe Mr Tebbit's comments are verging on inciting to racial hatred and expect the Police to investigate."