Members of the UK's leading political party suspended for Islamophobic tweets

More than 20 inappropriate tweets have led to members being suspended

More than 20 cases of Islamophobic tweets by members of the UK's leading political party has led to a number of suspensions. AFP

The UK's ruling party has suspended a number of members over inappropriate tweets.

The Conservative Party made the suspensions after it was alerted to more than 20 Islamophobic tweets, including one that claimed Islam was the "religion of hate".

The party said the members had allegedly shared inappropriate posts on Twitter and Facebook.

It has immediately suspended them and launched an investigation.

The number of people suspended has not yet been revealed.

On Friday, the government minister Kwasi Kwarteng told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think the party has enough structure and discipline and focus to try to deal with this problem in the first instance.

“Obviously this is something that is ongoing.

“I don’t know exactly when we will be able to announce what structures we have in order to expel or maintain the suspension of these members, but there is no doubt that we took very summary action when we found out last night what had been going on.”

The issues came to light after an anonymous Twitter user alerted the BBC, which then reported it to the party.

The alleged incidents include members of the party liking Islamophobic images.