Rachel Reeves’ Ties With Islamic Extremist Mosque Chair

A video released by Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick has brought renewed scrutiny to Chancellor Rachel Reeves over her reported friendship with Arshad Khatana, a mosque chair in Leeds who has previously shared and hosted material linked to extremist rhetoric.

Image of Rachel Reeves and Arshad Khatana taken from @RobertJenrick on X

Filming in Reeves’ constituency, Jenrick stated that one in four people in Leeds are not working and questioned why the Chancellor, whom he accuses of presiding over rising taxes and economic stagnation, is maintaining close ties with a figure whose public record includes highly controversial statements.

Khatana has shared a video concerning the Pakistani military that glorified terrorists from two proscribed groups. He is alleged to have described those who criticise Islam as an “evil gang” he would help “destroy”. Jenrick further claims that Khatana has hosted preachers at his Leeds mosque who have expressed anti-Semitic views, including one who said Google is “run by the Jews”, and another known for supporting an Islamist murderer.

Additional allegations outlined in the video include the sharing of 9/11 conspiracy theories and references to an international “lending mafia” backed by “Zionist Rothschild criminals”. Jenrick also states that Khatana has called for “revenge” against India and suggested he would only support Reeves and Labour “if they do what I demand”.

Reeves has referred to Khatana as a “friend”, and Jenrick questions why, while serving as Chancellor, she has reportedly visited his home for lunch and sought his views on foreign policy matters.

There is no suggestion that Reeves endorses the views attributed to Khatana. However, the association is likely to intensify political debate over Labour’s judgement in engaging with individuals accused of promoting sectarian or extremist rhetoric.

The issue comes at a sensitive time for the government, as ministers face pressure over economic performance and tensions with Islamic communities. Jenrick concluded by contrasting his own party’s position with the views attributed to Khatana, stating that Reform “isn’t for people with views like Arshad’s”.

At the time of writing, Reeves has not publicly responded to the specific allegations raised in the video.