The paper says it 'incorrectly interpreted' poll data and misquoted an expert
The Daily Express has apologised for publishing a story claiming up to half of UK Muslims ‘could support ISIS’.
The story, which the paper quickly removed from its website, was based on an ‘incorrect’ reading of an opinion poll commissioned by another newspaper.
The Express story also misquoted Haras Rafiq, managing director of the anti-Islamist group Quilliam and a Left Foot Forward contributor.
Yesterday they published an article by him respecting his right of reply.
The Express said:
“Earlier this week Express.co.uk ran a story which incorrectly claimed up to half of British Muslims ‘could support ISIS’.
This article was based on a national poll commissioned by a rival newspaper, the results of which both publications interpreted incorrectly.
Within a few hours we realised our error and quickly removed the article, but it should never have been published and we apologise unreservedly for any upset caused.”
Speaking to MediaWatch, Haras Rafiq said:
“When I was told of the piece, I contacted the Express and they were very keen to rectify a mistake that was made. Hence they admitted and apologised for the error and gave me a right to reply.
But mistakes such as these can have consequences. Especially if the press don’t act quickly to correct what has happened.
They should be more careful about such claims.“
You can read the rest of the apology and Haras Rafiq’s article in response here.
Note: We have been unable to find a copy of the original story. If any readers can find one, please get in touch via Twitter or by emailing adam@leftfootforward.org
Adam Barnett is a staff writer at Left Foot Forward. Follow MediaWatch on Twitter
Read more:
Independent runs story about Muslim lobby group CAGE… written by its spokesman!
The path towards peace in South Asia- Haras Rafiq
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26 Responses to “Daily Express says sorry for false ‘half of Muslims support ISIS’ story”
GLASNOST.ORG.UK
An issue that should not be buried. Most British Muslims seem to live a parallel life and have no interest in integration – UK life on their terms!. Call spade a spade and expose the truth!
stevep
I am all for freedom of expression, but when it boils down to some people having more say because they`re wealthy and can afford to own and run a newspaper which can then be use to propagandise others, I draw the line.
When every UK citizen can have their say in a mass-market newspaper without fear or prejudice, regardless of their wealth or status, then we will be on the road to living in a true democracy.
Until then, the press should be moderated and regulated. Implementing the recommendations of the Leveson inquiry in full would be a start.
Peem Birrell
It certainly isn’t a ‘papier’. Not much of a ‘journal’ either.
Cat
‘The story, which the paper’
haha the Daily Express a paper- lol
We Thepeople
Fair play to the express for publishing an apology, but the fact that they published the article in the first place is a really good example of our governments vile “divide and conquer” politics and then they wonder why one third of the electorate don’t even bother to engage in politics by voting at elections. In London mayoral elections, the figure is a massive 61% of those eligible to vote not doing so.
Our system of politics is fundamentally broken and in response a number of individuals who are concerned about the way our system of politics is not working, except for the richest 1% are forming a group. The purpose of the group is to provide a forum for those living in UK who share these concerns and want to work towards something else to get together to discuss, debate, design and build a better, fairer, more democratic political system that will work for all of it’s citizens.
Meetings will tai place online as webinars and it is hoped the first meeting will take place at the end of July. Any UK resident who shares these concerns can join the group by sending an email to redesigndemocracy@yahoo.co.uk to be added to the list of invitees.