Controversial MEP candidate Tommy Robinson’s offer to donate his salary to grooming victims was branded an “insult” by women’s groups.
Over 40 women and charities have signed a letter stating that they would not be willing to accept any of his salary to their causes.
He had announced that he would hand over his MEP salary, if elected, to women who have been victims of sexual exploitation.
The letter signed by charities including the End Violence Against Women and Girls Coalition criticised Mr Robinson for often singling out Muslims as being behind grooming gangs.
“We, as organisations and individuals fighting tirelessly against the abuse of women and girls, as survivors of abuse and their families, and as people who care about our communities, do not want your money, Tommy,” it reads.
“Those who have suffered sexual and physical abuse were failed by those who should have protected them. But Tommy Robinson is no ally for the children he claims to stand up for.
“Tommy doesn’t care about the rights of women and girls – he is exploiting the pain of survivors and their families to fuel racist hate for his own gain.
“Tommy Robinson’s factually incorrect messages about grooming, and his attempt to portray himself as a champion of the cause, are an insult to survivors of abuse.
“It is also a profound insult to the women who have spent their whole lives building support services for survivors and working to ensure some cases finally got to court.”