Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

‘They all look the same to me’: Conservative MP dropped from charity role after alleged racist comment about non-white ministers

‘They all look the same to me’: Conservative MP dropped from charity role after alleged racist comment about non-white ministers

Conservative MP James Gray has been dropped from his role as commander of the St. John Ambulance charity this week after he confused two non-white ministers for each other and then allegedly said that they look the same.
Gray’s remarks were reportedly made at a reception in Parliament last month, but his comments were only reported by media outlets this week, sparking a fresh race controversy.

During the reception, which was reported by the Daily Mail on Monday, Gray allegedly introduced then-Covid-19 vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi as the UK Health Secretary – a position that is occupied by Zahawi’s colleague Sajid Javid.

Upon being informed that he had mistaken the two ministers for each other, Gray then allegedly told the audience that “they all look the same to me,” before Zahawi had “a private conversation” with the MP, according to the Daily Mail.

Zahawi was born in Iraq before moving to the UK as a child. Javid was born in the UK to Pakistani immigrant parents.

After the alleged incident went public on Monday, Gray was accused of racism, and a Conservative Party spokesperson told the Daily Mail that it does “not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind.” The party also described Gray’s comment as “misjudged.”

Additionally, Gray was reportedly asked to step down from his position as commander at St. John Ambulance this week, with the charity also saying it does not tolerate racism “in any way, shape or form.”

“We spoke with James Gray following the event about our values as an open, inclusive and progressive charity,” it concluded.

Gray has publicly denied saying the words “they all look the same to me,” and has insisted that he instead said the two ministers “look very alike.”

In a statement, Gray claimed to be “very close friends” with both Zahawi and Javid and argued that “the notion this is some sort of racist remark is ridiculous.”

Neither Javid nor Zahawi have commented on Gray’s alleged comments.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Arabia and the United States Strengthen Ties Amid Global Developments
Saudi Arabia Hosts Global Conference to Promote Islamic Unity
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education and Child Development
Saudi Arabia Announces Competition for Best Founding Day Outfits
Saudi-EU Food Security Officials Hold Talks to Strengthen Collaboration
Putin Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Hosting US-Russia Talks
UK and Saudi Arabia Enhance Collaboration in Innovation and Technology
Denmark's Embassy in Riyadh Showcases Danish Cuisine with Saudi Influence
Saudi Artist Salman Al-Amir Unveils 'Tafawut' Exhibition in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Kuwait Following Military Exercise Fatalities
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs Completes Ramadan Preparations in Madinah
Etidal Secretary-General Hosts UN Counter-Terrorism Director in Riyadh
ADNOC Drilling Targets Over $1 Billion in Investments for 2025 Amid Gulf Expansion Plans
Derayah Financial Achieves Remarkable Growth in Saudi Brokerage and Asset Management
Saudi Arabia Shortlists 30 Firms for Mining Licenses in Eastern Province and Tabuk
Saudi Foreign Minister Engages Counterparts at G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Oil Prices Decline Amid Rising US Inventories
Saudi Arabia's NDMC Plans Green Bond Issuance by 2025
Moody’s Affirms Egypt’s Caa1 Rating Amid Positive Economic Outlook
Oman and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Economic Ties with New Agreements
Saudi Arabia Investments Propel Expansion of Qurayyah Power Plant
Saudi Capital Market Authority Advances SPACs and Direct Listings
Global Energy Leaders Gather in Riyadh for Symposium on Energy Outlooks
Al-Ahsa Region Sees 500% Growth in Tourism as Saudi Arabia Prioritizes Development
Saudi Arabia Advances Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Al-Ahsa with New Agreement
King Salman Approves Official Saudi Riyal Symbol
Saudi Credit Card Lending Reaches $8.4 Billion Amid Digital Payment Expansion
King Salman Approves Official Symbol for Saudi Riyal
Putin Thanks Saudi Crown Prince for Facilitating U.S.-Russia Discussions
Saudi Foreign Minister Attends G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Saudi Arabia Prepares for Nationwide Founding Day Celebrations
Inauguration of Hira Park and Walkway Enhances Jeddah's Urban Landscape
Crown Prince Hosts Leaders for Informal Meeting in Riyadh Amid Gaza Rebuilding Plans
Saudi Official Highlights Achievements and Media's Role in National Transformation
Three Expatriate Women Arrested for Prostitution in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Evolution Highlighted at Saudi Media Forum
Healthy Eating and Preparation Essential for Ramadan Fasting
Saudi Arabia and Japan Forge Sustainable Textile Partnership
Advanced Limb Surgery Restores Mobility in Pediatric Cancer Patient
Jeddah Event Explores AI's Role in Boosting Saudi Arabia's SME Sector
UN Representative Highlights AI's Role in Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes
Saudi and Jordanian Leaders Discuss Enhanced Security Cooperation in Amman
Saudi British Society Honors Cultural Bridge-Builders at London Gala
Saudi Media Forum 2025 Explores AI's Role in Modern Journalism
Saudi Arabia's Saqer Al-Moqbel Appointed as WTO General Council President for 2025–2026
Saudi Deputy Ministers Engage in Diplomatic Discussions with U.S. and Dutch Officials in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia to Launch Iftar Program in 61 Countries During Ramadan
Saudi Visitors Expected to Spend £942 Million in UK During 2025
Saudi Arabia Gifts Kaaba's Kiswah to Uzbekistan's Center of Islamic Civilization
Digital Cooperation Organization Concludes Fourth General Assembly with Multiple Agreements
×