PEOPLE seeking to falsely blame Muslims for the spread of coronavirus have been condemned in Parliament.

Ministerial criticism of those making bogus claims came as Conservative peer Baroness Warsi hit out at "this false and bigoted view".

Lending his support, Tory frontbencher Lord Greenhalgh decried "those that point the finger at any particular community, including British Muslims".

Raising the issue in the upper chamber, former minister Lady Warsi, who was the first Muslim woman to have a seat at the Cabinet table, highlighted evidence "of the specific targeting and blaming of Muslims, as a group, of causing the spread of the coronavirus".

She said: "Will the minister join me in rejecting this false and bigoted view and also paying tribute to the many mosques and community organisations who, despite the Government's decision to allow communal worship in the latest lockdown, have taken a decision to limit services where it is considered wise to do so in the interest of public health and safety?"

Communities minister Lord Greenhalgh said: "I join her in condemning those that point the finger at any particular community, including British Muslims."

He added: "I absolutely commend the role that has been taken by Muslim charities, such as the Muslim Charities Forum, in supporting people during the pandemic ... and also mosques in helping the needy and vulnerable at this difficult time."