DAR AL HARB - U.K.: THE BATTLE OVER THE 'SUPER MOSQUE' (OR MEGA MOSQUE) IN GREAT BRITAIN CONTINUES

GLA: Mayor won't be funding mosque

THE Greater London Authority (GLA) has issued a statement relating to "false claims" that Mayor of London Ken Livingstone plans to fund a super-mosque in West Ham.

However, Cllr Alan Craig, leader of the Christian People's Alliance Group at Newham Council criticised the mayor for using "intemperate, hysterical language" about those who are against the proposed "Olympics mega-mosque".

A spokesperson for the GLA, which represents the mayor and the London Assembly, issued the denial. It stated: "A number of untrue reports are being circulated suggesting that the Mayor of London or other public authorities are planning to spend up to £100 million of public money on a new mosque in East London."

"The mayor wishes to make it absolutely clear that these reports are entirely untrue. There are not now, and have never been, any plans by the mayor or the Greater London Authority to spend any public money on such a mosque."

The statement adds it would be illegal for Mr Livingstone to do so and dismisses as untrue suggestions of a link between plans for a mosque and the 2012 Olympic Games.

"There is no current planning permission or application for a mosque and Newham Council do not expect a planning application in the near future," it continues.

The circulation of "these manifestly untrue reports" seems designed to bring influence to bear on a petition opposing the mosque on the 10 Downing Street website, according to the statement.

But Cllr Craig claimed in a statement that "mosque-backers have recently announced a new, high-profile architect and have made it clear that they will submit their mosque masterplan in the next few months".

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Pertinent Links:

1) GLA: Mayor won't be funding mosque