Mayor Andy Street apologises for mosque blunder during Vaisakhi celebrations
The West Midlands Mayor has apologised after telling Sikhs he was pleased to be visiting their "mosque".
Andy Street says he "muddled" his words when he confused the places of worship of Sikhism and Islam during a visit to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick.
Addressing worshippers during the Vaisakhi celebrations, Conservative Mr Street said: "So brilliant to be able to join the Nagar Kirtan here from the Guru Nanak Mosque in Smethwick."
The blunder was immediately picked up on Twitter, with some accusing him of failing to understand the diverse communities he represents.
In response the Mayor said: "All places of worship and festivals of all religions should be respected. I'm sorry I muddled my words.
"I hope no offence was caused, particularly as the Guru Nanak Gurdwara has always offered me a characteristic warm welcome."
He received support from his friend Michael Fabricant, the Tory MP for Lichfield, who said: "Like when David Cameron said he supports West Ham when he meant Aston Villa, or Jeremy Hunt said his wife was Japanese when he meant Chinese.
"When people are tired they make a slip of the tongue. People understand."
Labour MEP for the West Midlands Neena Gill, said: "Of course anyone can make a mistake, but this suggests Andy Street really doesn't understand the communities he is supposed to represent.
"Andy Street has an army of advisors, could one of them explain to him the difference between a mosque and a Gurdwara?"
