A Reform councillor has defended her description of a halal meat shop opening in Ashford as a “takeover” – insisting she is reflecting the views of those who voted for her.
Pamela Williams, who was elected to Ashford Central ward in May’s Kent County Council elections, sparked controversy after claiming the town is being overtaken by a “culture which does not align to our own”.
Her comments came after it was revealed that Usman Halal Meat & Frozen Foods is set to open in the former Shoe Zone unit in Upper High Street.
Posting on social media, Cllr Williams accused Ashford Borough Council (ABC) of “promoting cruel and savage slaughter” by allowing the new store to go ahead, adding: “The takeover has begun.”
But after a backlash – including criticism from a fellow councillor and a local resident – she has stood by her remarks, arguing they reflect concerns about changing cultural values.
She said: “I am referring to the takeover of our town by a culture which does not align to our own culture, values and morals.
“What I have posted is absolutely acceptable language coming from a councillor. I am the voice of the people who elected me.”
Halal meat is prepared in accordance with Islamic law, which traditionally includes slaughter without pre-stunning – a method criticised by some animal welfare campaigners.
Cllr Williams added: “This is England and we are animal lovers. It is not our culture to let animals endure a cruel and painful death.
“This goes against everything we stand for.
“Humans are carnivorous, but we have a moral responsibility to ensure the humane treatment and slaughter of animals.”
However, ABC says it has no role in approving or rejecting the business. It confirmed it does not own the premises and that no licence or planning permission was required for the change of use, with both the former shoe shop and new butcher classed under the same planning category.
Responding to Cllr Williams online, ABC councillor Heather Hayward (Ind, Roman) said: “In the UK, a borough council cannot lawfully refuse to issue a food premises licence solely because a business is halal – assuming all hygiene, safety and legal standards are met.
“In addition, they do not own this property, therefore have no control over which business takes out a tenancy.
“Therefore, I’m at a loss to understand what you expect ABC to do, nor how you think they are promoting it?”
Local resident Martin Holme also criticised the remarks, saying: “What takeover? Sainsbury’s has been selling halal meat for years.
“All slaughter is pretty unsavoury. As for ‘the takeover has just begun’, this is really not acceptable language, especially coming from a councillor.”
Cllr Williams’ comments come amid wider calls from her party for reform of the halal meat industry.
In May, then Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe wrote to the Environment Secretary calling for a review into the scale, regulation, labelling and legality of non-stun slaughter, describing it as “a debate we need to have”.
KentOnline has contacted the business and Cllr Williams for further comment. It is not yet known when the new store will open.
