• Question by: Damian Hockney
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

Surely the idea that gay organisations can be Islamophobic is just because they are concerned about the open expressions. You mentioned Darren's (Johnson) question here, and quite rightly you highlight the question mark after Dr al-Qaradawi's point but there were earlier points. Murad (Qureshi) does make a very good point there with the other religions, but earlier there are far stronger points when he says, `This perverted act is a reversal of natural order, a corruption of man's sexuality, and a crime against the rights of females.' The worry I have about all that is that it is a flavour...

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

What is your reaction to the reported quotes on the BBC website and in The Times from Dr al-Qaradawi about the victims of the tsunami as being basically Allah's revenge on people that believe in sex tourism and act in that manner?

• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

I am happy to denounce homophobia where I see it and, quite clearly, there were some outrageous statements being made by Dr al-Qaradawi. How will you repair the damage that has been done in terms of your relations with the lesbian and gay community in London?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

Ramesh Kallidai, the General Secretary of the Hindu Council of Britain?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

I cannot believe you have never met him.

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

From the list of people who are referred to in this document and are signatories to it, I would like to refer to one or two that I know personally. Would you regard Venilal Vaghela (Chairman, Hindu Council) as Islamophobic?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

You are now making it clear on the record that you did not refuse to meet this group?

• Question by: Bob Blackman
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

Mr Mayor, you are well known for meeting all sorts of people from right across London and you embrace the view that every Londoner has the right to come and meet you and discuss things. Why did you therefore take the view that you would not meet this broad-based coalition of faith groups who were concerned about Dr al-Qaradawi's visit?

• Question by: Richard Barnes
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

Ramesh Kallidai, the General Secretary of the Hindu Council of Britain?

• Question by: Graham Tope
• Meeting date: 12 January 2005

Do you accept that with the benefit of hindsight ' if you ever do have any hindsight ' that it would have been better to respond positively to a letter apparently signed by a wide range of organisations, the NUS, the Metropolitan Police Advisory Group and so on? Would it not have been better to respond to their request to meet with them to air the views you each have and perhaps to clear up whatever misunderstandings there may or may not have been, rather than to wait seven weeks and then send them a four-page diatribe and simply answer...