Shacklewell Lane Mosque dome is ‘message of unity’ against Islamophobia

A giant political slogan daubed onto the dome of a Dalston Mosque is a “message of unity” – according to the party it is advertising.

The owner of the Shacklewell Lane Mosque Ramadan Guney decided to emblazon his dome with the words ‘Vote for Hope’ and ‘Vote Nigel Askew – Reality Party’ in support of his friend who is running against Nigel Farage in the General Election.

Nigel Askew, a ‘real pub landlord’ and photographer from Ramsgate is running on an anti-UKIP ticket in the constituency of South Thanet for Bez from Happy Mondays’ Reality Party.

Guney, who has been friends with Askew since the 1970s, agreed to graffiti the slogan on the dome in support of his campaign.

Nigel Askew of Reality Party with mosque owner Ramadan Guney. Photograph: Ki Price

Mr Askew said: “South Thanet has been consumed with propaganda on immigration, spreading a message of fear and racial disharmony.

“I am honoured the Muslim community of Dalston are making this wonderful gesture. The Reality Party is about inclusiveness, with all people standing together for responsible prosperity, and against injustice.

“The gesture from the Shacklewell Lane Mosque is a wonderful gesture that Britain must celebrate its diversity.”

A Reality Party spokesperson added: “People might think it’s strange because South Thanet and Dalston are nowhere near each other, but Ramsgate doesn’t have a mosque. We hope the slogan will be there until the general election.”

The Shacklewell Lane Mosque, home to the UK Islamic Trust, was established in 1977 by Ramadan Guney and his wife.

Charity Commission guidance on campaigning and political activity makes clear that a charity must not give its support to any political party or candidate. The commission has said it will be contacting the UK Islamic Trust as “a matter of urgency”.

UKIP candidate for Hackney North and Stoke Newington Keith Fraser said: “If the slogan was in breach of the Charity Commission’s rules, then they should have their charity status removed unless the slogan is removed immediately.”