Christian People's Alliance challenges Owen Jones to debate on Islam

Sid Cordle was invited onto the BBC's Daily Politics show on Tuesday. BBC / Daily Politics

The Christian People's Alliance is challenging Guardian columnist Owen Jones to a debate 'Christ v Islam' after a furious row on the BBC's Daily Politics show.

Party leader Sid Cordle clashed with Jones on the lunchtime programme over the CPA's policies on marriage, homosexuality and Islam.

After the debate, the CPA's twitter account challenged Jones to a debate.

Cordle, who used to be a Conservative party councillor, said: 'We're not against the people, we stand for the principles. As far as homosexuality is concerned, we believe we should protect marriage as between a man and a woman, because it's there for children.

'As far as we're concerned it's about protecting children. That's our priority.'

But Jones, who is an LGBT rights campaigner, rebutted Cordle and said: 'One of the many things that makes me proud to be British is that LGBT people who have fought against oppression and persecution for many years, who were persecuted because of people like yourself, have driven your bigotry back.

'You hate us for the rights that we have, rights which as British citizens other people take for granted.

'We love people, just as straight people do. We want the same rights. We're not asking for special treatment.'

Turning to the subject of Islam, Cordle insisted his party's policy was open debate.

Jones retorted by saying Cordle was 'a threat to our democracy'.

He said: 'There are millions of Muslims like the Mayor of London [Sadiq Khan] who have fought for the rights of LGBT people against the bigotry you represent, who believe in a secular democracy with equal rights for all.'

The segment ends with Cordle shouting over presenter Jo Coburn and accusing the BBC of 'fake news'.

You can watch it in full below:

News
Investigation launched into fire at west London church
Investigation launched into fire at west London church

Investigators are working to uncover the cause of a huge fire that tore through a derelict Methodist church in west London on Sunday night. 

Zia Yusuf says Reform would protect the UK's Christian heritage
Zia Yusuf says Reform would protect the UK's Christian heritage

Reform's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, has said his party will protect Britain’s Christian heritage if it is voted into power at the next general election. 

Culture change needed to reduce gargantuan abortion numbers, says peer
Culture change needed to reduce gargantuan abortion numbers, says peer

Many women have abortions due to feelings of inadequacy, rather than financial concerns.

Bishop: 10 years on, concerns that led to Brexit have still not been addressed
Bishop: 10 years on, concerns that led to Brexit have still not been addressed

It's not the first time North has spoken of the disconnect between the Church and the working classes.